U.S. patent application number 12/936953 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-28 for vaccine.
Invention is credited to William Ripley Ballou, JR., Emmanuel Jules Hanon.
Application Number | 20120164178 12/936953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40874658 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120164178 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ballou, JR.; William Ripley ;
et al. |
June 28, 2012 |
Vaccine
Abstract
The present invention provides an immunogenic composition
comprising a Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen and an adjuvant
composition comprising an oil in water emulsion, wherein said oil
in water emulsion comprises 0.5-10 mg metabolisable oil, 0.5-11 mg
tocol and 0.1-4 mg emulsifying agent, per human dose.
Inventors: |
Ballou, JR.; William Ripley;
(Rixensart, BE) ; Hanon; Emmanuel Jules;
(Rixensart, BE) |
Family ID: |
40874658 |
Appl. No.: |
12/936953 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
April 16, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2009/054491 |
371 Date: |
October 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61045291 |
Apr 16, 2008 |
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12936953 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/244.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 39/092 20130101;
C12N 2760/16234 20130101; C12N 2760/16134 20130101; A61K 39/145
20130101; A61K 2039/545 20130101; A61K 2039/5252 20130101; A61K
39/102 20130101; A61P 11/00 20180101; A61K 2039/55566 20130101;
A61P 37/04 20180101; A61P 31/04 20180101; A61K 39/12 20130101; A61K
2039/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/244.1 |
International
Class: |
A61K 39/09 20060101
A61K039/09; A61P 37/04 20060101 A61P037/04 |
Claims
1. An immunogenic composition comprising: (a) an unconjugated
Streptococcus pneumoniae protein; and (b) an adjuvant composition
comprising an oil in water emulsion, wherein said oil in water
emulsion comprises 0.5-10 mg metabolisable oil, 3-9 mg tocol and
0.1-4 mg emulsifying agent, per human dose.
2. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein said
adjuvant composition consists of an oil in water emulsion, wherein
said oil in water emulsion comprises 0.5-10 mg metabolisable oil,
3-9 mg tocol and 0.1-4 mg emulsifying agent, per human dose.
3. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1, where said
adjuvant composition further comprises one or more further
immunostimulants.
4. (canceled)
5. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the oil
in water emulsion comprises 1-10, 2-10, 3-9, 4-8, 5-7, or 5-6 mg
metabolisable oil, per human dose.
6. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the oil
in water emulsion comprises 4-8, 5-7, 5-6 mg tocol, per human
dose.
7. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the oil
in water emulsion comprises 0.1-5, 0.2-5, 0.3-4, 0.4-3 or 2-3 mg
(e.g. 0.4-1.2, 2-3 or 4-5 mg) emulsifying agent, per human
dose.
8. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
amount of metabolisable oil is 5.35 mg, per human dose.
9. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
amount of metabolisable oil is 2.14 mg, per human dose.
10. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
amount of tocol is 5.94 mg, per human dose.
11. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
amount of tocol is 2.38 mg, per human dose.
12. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
amount of emulsifying agent is 2.425 mg, per human dose.
13. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
amount of emulsifying agent is 0.97 mg, per human dose.
14. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
metabolisable oil is squalene.
15. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
tocol is alpha-tocopherol.
16. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
emulsifying agent is polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate.
17. (canceled)
18. An immunogenic composition according to claim 1 wherein the
dose volume is between 0.4 and 1.5 ml
19. An immunogenic composition according to claim 18 wherein said
dose volume is 0.5 ml.
20. An immunogenic composition according to claim 18 wherein said
dose volume is 0.7 ml.
21. An immunogenic composition according to claim 18 wherein said
dose volume is 1.0 ml.
22. The immunogenic composition of claim 1 wherein the unconjugated
Streptococcus pneumoniae protein is selected from the group
consisting of polyhistidine triad family (Pht) protein A (PhtA),
PhtD, PhtB, PhtE, pneumolysin, LytB, LytC, LytA, Surface Protein
125 (Sp125), SP101, Sp128, Sp130, and Sp133.
23. The immunogenic composition of claim 22 comprising two or more
unconjugated proteins.
24. The immunogenic composition of claim 23 comprising unconjugated
pneumococcal PhtD and unconjugated pneumococcal pneumolysin.
25.-28. (canceled)
Description
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0001] This application contains sequences, listed in an electronic
Sequence Listing and filed on Mar. 2, 2012, the contents and
sequences of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to improved vaccine and
immunogenic compositions and their use in medicine. In particular
the invention relates to vaccine or immunogenic formulations
comprising an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant and their use in
medicine, in particular their use in augmenting immune responses to
various antigens including S. pneumoniae antigens, and to methods
of preparation, wherein the oil in water emulsion comprises a
tocol, a metabolisable oil and an emulsifying agent.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0003] New compositions or vaccines with an improved immunogenicity
are always needed. As one strategy, adjuvants have been used to try
and improve the immune response raised to any given antigen and/or
reduce reactogenicity/toxicity in the host.
[0004] Oil in water emulsions per se are well known in the art, and
have been suggested to be useful as adjuvant compositions (EP
399843; WO 95/17210).
[0005] WO95/17210 discloses oil in water emulsions comprising from
2 to 10% squalene, from 2 to 10% alpha tocopherol and from 0.3 to
3% tween 80 and their use alone or in combination with QS21 and/or
3D-MPL.
[0006] WO99/12565 discloses oil in water emulsion compositions
comprising a metabolisable oil, a saponin and a sterol. The oil in
water emulsions further comprise 3D-MPL.
[0007] WO99/11241 discloses oil in water emulsions comprising
metabolisable oil and a saponin, wherein the oil and saponin are
present in a ratio of between 1:1 and 200:1.
[0008] There is still a need for improved vaccine and immunogenic
compositions that provide a suitable immune response and are less
reactogenic in the host.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present inventors have discovered vaccine or immunogenic
compositions comprising lower amounts of each component of the oil
in water emulsion may be used whilst still maintaining a comparable
immune response against an antigen or antigenic composition within
said composition. This carries the advantage maintaining the level
of immunogenicity against an antigen whilst the reactogenicity
within the host recipient is reduced.
[0010] Accordingly, in the first aspect of the present invention
there is provided an immunogenic composition comprising a
Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen, and an adjuvant composition
comprising an oil-in-water emulsion, wherein said oil-in-water
emulsion comprises 0.5-10 mg metabolisable oil, 0.5-11 mg tocol and
0.4-4 mg emulsifying agent, per human dose.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a vaccine composition comprising a Streptococcus
pneumoniae antigen, and an adjuvant composition comprising an
oil-in-water emulsion, wherein said oil-in-water emulsion comprises
0.5-10 mg metabolisable oil, 0.5-11 mg tocol and 0.4-4 mg
emulsifying agent, per human dose.
[0012] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided the
use of a vaccine or immunogenic composition comprising a
Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen, and an adjuvant composition
comprising an oil-in-water emulsion wherein said oil-in-water
emulsion comprises 0.5-10 mg metabolisable oil, 0.5-11 mg tocol and
0.4-4 mg emulsifying agent in the manufacture of an immunogenic
composition for the treatment, alleviation or prevention of
pneumococcal infection or disease.
[0013] In a further aspect, there is provided a method or use as
hereinabove defined, for protection against infection or disease
caused by a pathogen which is a variant of the pathogen from which
the antigen in the immunogenic composition is derived. In another
embodiment, there is provided a method or use as hereinabove
defined for protection against infections or disease caused by a
pathogen which comprises an antigen which is a variant of that
antigen in the immunogenic composition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0014] FIG. 1: Clinical trial: geometric mean titers (GMTs) for
anti-HA antibody at different timepoints (ATP cohort for
immunogenicity).
[0015] FIG. 2: Clinical trial: seroprotection rate (SPR) for HI
antibody titer with 95% confidence interval at day 0 and day 21
(ATP cohort for immunogenicity).
[0016] FIG. 3: Clinical trial: seroconversion rate (SCR) for HI
antibody titer with 95% confidence interval at day 21 (ATP cohort
for immunogenicity).
[0017] FIG. 4: Clinical trial: seroconversion factor (SCF) for HI
antibody titer with 95% confidence interval at day 21 (ATP cohort
for immunogenicity).
[0018] FIG. 5: Mice study: Haemagglutinin Inhibition test
(GMT+/-IC95) in BALB/c mice primed with heterosubtypic strains
(dose range AS03). FIG. 5A: Anti-A/New Calcdonia/20/99 HI titers;
FIG. 5B: Anti-A/Panama/2007/99 HI titers. FIG. 5C:
Anti-B/Shandong/7/97 HI titers.
[0019] FIG. 6: Mice study: Haemagglutinin Inhibition test
(GMT+/-IC95) in C57Bl/6 mice primed with heterosubtypic strains
(dose range AS03).
[0020] FIG. 7: Mice study: Cellular immune response (CD4+ T cell)
in PBMC from C57Bl/6 mice primed with heterosubtypic strains (dose
range AS03).
[0021] FIG. 8: Mice study: Cellular immune response (CD4+ T cell)
in PBMC from C57Bl/6 mice primed with heterosubtypic strains and
immunized with low dose antigen (0.5 .mu.g) adjuvanted with dose
range AS03.
[0022] FIG. 9: Mice study: H5N1-specific serum Ig ELISA titers (A
and B) and anti-H5N1 IgG1 (C and D) and IgG2b (E and F) isotypic
responses on day 14 post-immunization (GMT+/-IC95) for two
different antigen dose: 1.5 .mu.g (A, C and E) or 0.38 .mu.g (B, D
and F)
[0023] FIG. 10: Mice study: Hemagglutination inhibition test
(GMT+/-IC95) on day 21 post-immunization (GMT+/-IC95) for two
different antigen dose: 1.5 .mu.g (A) or 0.38 .mu.g (B).
[0024] FIG. 11: Mice study: Cellular immune response (CD4+ T cell)
in naive C57Bl/6 mice immunized with different dose of H5N1 vaccine
(1.5 or 0.38 .mu.g) adjuvanted with dose range AS03: (A) 1.5 .mu.g
HA Ag (antigen) or (B) 0.38 .mu.g HA Ag (antigen).
[0025] FIG. 12: Pigs study. Haemagglutinin Inhibition test
(GMT+/-IC95) in pigs primed with homologous strains (dose range
AS03).
[0026] FIG. 13: Mice study. Humoral immune response measured by
ELISA in C57bl mice immunised with 3 .mu.g of each of dPly, PhtD
and Protein D in AS03 adjuvant containing 250, 125 or 62.5 .mu.g of
SB62.
[0027] FIG. 14: Mice study. Humoral immune response measured by
ELISA in C57bl mice immunised with 6, 3 or 1.5 .mu.g of dPly, PhtD
and Protein D in AS03 adjuvant containing 250, 125 or 62.5 .mu.g of
SB62.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The terms "comprising", "comprise" and "comprises" herein
are intended by the inventors to be optionally substitutable with
the terms "consisting of", "consist of" and "consists of",
respectively, in every instance.
[0029] Embodiments herein relating to "vaccine compositions" of the
invention are also applicable to embodiments relating to
"immunogenic compositions" of the invention, and vice versa.
[0030] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a
vaccine or immunogenic composition comprising an antigen or antigen
composition and an adjuvant composition consisting of an oil in
water emulsion, wherein said oil in water emulsion comprises 0.5-10
mg metabolisable oil, 0.5-11 mg tocol and 0.4-4 mg emulsifying
agent, per human dose.
[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a
vaccine or immunogenic composition comprising an antigen or antigen
composition and an adjuvant composition comprising an oil in water
emulsion, wherein the oil in water emulsion comprises 0.5-10 mg
metabolisable oil, (such as squalene), 0.5-11 mg tocol (such as
alpha-tocopherol and 0.4-4 mg emulsifying agent (such as
polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate), per human dose.
Oil in Water Emulsion Component
[0032] The adjuvant composition of the invention comprises an
oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, preferably said emulsion comprises
a metabolisable oil in an amount of 0.5-10 mg, a tocol in an amount
of 0.5-11 mg and an emulsifying agent in an amount of 0.4-4 mg and
having oil droplets of which at least 70% by intensity have
diameters of less than 1 .mu.m.
[0033] In order for any oil in water composition to be suitable for
human administration, the oil phase of the emulsion system has to
comprise a metabolisable oil. The meaning of the term metabolisable
oil is well known in the art. Metabolisable can be defined as
`being capable of being transformed by metabolism` (Dorland's
Illustrated Medical Dictionary, W.B. Sanders Company, 25th edition
(1974)). The oil may be any vegetable oil, fish oil, animal oil or
synthetic oil, which is not toxic to the recipient and is capable
of being transformed by metabolism. Nuts, seeds, and grains are
common sources of vegetable oils. Synthetic oils are also part of
this invention and can include commercially available oils such as
NEOBEE.RTM. and others. A particularly suitable metabolisable oil
is squalene. Squalene
(2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyl-2,6,10,14,18,22-tetracosahexaene) is an
unsaturated oil which is found in large quantities in shark-liver
oil, and in lower quantities in olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice
bran oil, and yeast, and is a particularly preferred oil for use in
this invention. Squalene is a metabolisable oil by virtue of the
fact that it is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol
(Merck index, 10th Edition, entry no. 8619).
[0034] Suitably the metabolisable oil is present in the adjuvant
composition in an amount of 0.5-10 mg, preferably 1-10, 2-10, 3-9,
4-8, 5-7, or 5-6 mg (e.g. 2-3, 5-6, or 9-10 mg), specifically 5.35
mg or 2.14 mg. In a further embodiment of the invention, the
metabolisable oil is present in the vaccine (or immunogenic)
composition in an amount of 0.5-10 mg, preferably 1-10, 2-10, 3-9,
4-8, 5-7, or 5-6 mg (e.g. 2-3, 5-6, or 9-10 mg), specifically 5.35
mg or 2.14 mg.
[0035] The amount of metabolisable oil in vaccine or immunogenic
composition may be expressed as a percentage of the total
composition. Suitably the metabolisable oil is present in the
vaccine composition in an amount of 0.5% to 2%, preferably 0.25-2,
or 0.25-1.75, or 0.5-1.65, or 0.6-1.5, or 0.8-1.4 or 1-1.25% (v/v)
oil of the total composition volume.
[0036] In another specific embodiment, the metabolisable oil is
present in a final amount of about 1.25% of the total volume of the
vaccine (or immunogenic) composition. In another specific
embodiment, the metabolisable oil is present in a final amount of
0.25% (v/v) of the total composition volume.
[0037] By way of clarification, concentrations given in v/v can be
converted into concentration in w/v by applying the following
conversion factor: a 5% (v/v) squalene concentration is equivalent
to a 4.28% (w/v) squalene concentration.
[0038] The oil in water emulsion comprises a tocol. Tocols are well
known in the art and are described in EP0382271. Suitably the tocol
is alpha-tocopherol or a derivative thereof such as
alpha-tocopherol succinate (also known as vitamin E succinate).
Said tocol is suitably present in the adjuvant composition in an
amount of 0.5-11 mg, preferably 1-11, 2-10, 3-9, 4-8, 5-7, 5-6
(e.g. 10-11, 5-6, 2.5-3.5 or 1-3 mg). In a specific embodiment the
tocol is present in an amount of 5.94 mg or 2.38 mg. In a further
embodiment, said tocol is suitably present in the vaccine (or
immunogenic) composition in an amount of 0.5-11 mg, preferably
1-11, 2-10, 3-9, 4-8, 5-7, 5-6 (e.g. 10-11, 5-6, 2.5-3.5 or 1-3
mg). In a specific embodiment the tocol is present in an amount of
5.94 mg or 2.38 mg.
[0039] The amount of tocol may be expressed as a percentage of the
total vaccine or immunogenic composition volume. Suitably tocol is
present in the vaccine composition in an amount 0.25% to 2% (v/v)
of the total volume of the immunogenic composition, preferably at
0.25-2 comprises 0.25-2, or 0.25-1.75, or 0.5-1.65, or 0.6-1.5, or
0.8-1.4 or 1-1.25 (v/v) tocol of the total volume.
[0040] Preferably tocol is present in an amount of between 0.2% and
2% (v/v) of the total volume of the vaccine (or immunogenic)
composition, more preferably at an amount of 1.25% (v/v) in a 0.5
ml dose volume.
[0041] In a specific embodiment, the tocol is present in a final
amount of about 1.25% of the total volume of the vaccine or
immunogenic composition. In another specific embodiment, the tocol
is present in a final amount of 0.25% (v/v) of the total volume or
1.25% (v/v) in 0.5 ml dose volume or 0.9% (v/v), in 0.7 ml dose
volume, or 0.5% (v/v) in 0.5 ml dose or 0.35-0.37%, preferably
0.36% in 0.7 ml vaccine or immunogenic dose.
[0042] By way of clarification, concentrations given in v/v can be
converted into concentration in w/v by applying the following
conversion factor: a 5% (v/v) alpha-tocopherol concentration is
equivalent to a 4.8% (w/v) alpha-tocopherol concentration.
[0043] The oil in water emulsion further comprises an emulsifying
agent. The emulsifying agent may suitably be polyoxyethylene
sorbitan monooleate. In a particular embodiment the emulsifying
agent may be selected from the group comprising: Polysorbate.RTM.
80 or Tween.RTM. 80.
[0044] Said emulsifying agent is suitably present in the adjuvant
composition in an amount of 0.1-5, 0.2-5, 0.3-4, 0.4-3 or 2-3 mg
(e.g. 0.4-1.2, 2-3 or 4-5 mg) emulsifying agent. In a specific
embodiment the emulsifying agent is present in an amount of 0.97 mg
or 2.425 mg.
[0045] Further, said emulsifying agent is suitably present in the
vaccine or immunogenic composition in an amount of 0.1-5, 0.2-5,
0.3-4, 0.4-3 or 2-3 mg (e.g. 0.4-1.2, 2-3 or 4-5 mg) emulsifying
agent. In a specific embodiment the emulsifying agent is present in
an amount of 0.97 mg or 2.425 mg.
[0046] The amount of emulsifying agent may be expressed as a
percentage of the total vaccine or immunogenic composition volume.
Suitably the emulsifying agent is present in the vaccine (or
immunogenic) composition in an amount 0.125-0.8% (v/v) of the total
volume of the composition, preferably at 0.08-0.05, or 0.1-0.7, or
0.2-0.6, or 0.25-0.55, or 0.3-0.52 or 0.4-0.5% (v/v) of the total
volume. In a specific embodiment the emulsifying agent is present
in an amount of 1%, 0.5% or 0.2% (v/v) of the total vaccine or
immunogenic composition volume.
[0047] By way of clarification, concentrations given in v/v can be
converted into concentration in w/v by applying the following
conversion factor: a 1.8% (v/v) polysorbate 80 concentration is
equivalent to a 1.91% (w/v) polysorbate 80 concentration.
[0048] In a specific embodiment, a 0.5 ml vaccine or immunogenic
dose volume contains 0.45% (v/v) Tween 80, and a 0.7 ml dose volume
contains 0.315% (v/v) Tween 80. In another specific embodiment a
0.5 ml dose contains 0.18% (v/v) emulsifying agent and a 0.7 ml
vaccine or immunogenic composition dose contains 0.126% (v/v)
emulsifying agent.
[0049] By the term "human dose" is meant a dose which is in a
volume suitable for human use. Generally this is between 0.25 and
1.5 ml. In one embodiment, a human dose is 0.5 ml. In a further
embodiment, a human dose is higher than 0.5 ml, for example 0.6,
0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1 ml. In a further embodiment, a human dose is
between 1 ml and 1.5 ml. In another embodiment, in particular when
the immunogenic composition is for the paediatric population, a
human dose may be less than 0.5 ml such as between 0.25 and 0.5 ml.
The invention is characterised in that each or all of the
individual components of the adjuvant within the immunogenic
composition is/are at a lower level than previously thought useful
and is/are typically as recited above. Particularly suitable
compositions comprise the following adjuvant components in the
following amounts are in a final volume of human dose of 0.5
ml:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Adjuvant Adjuvant Adjuvant Adjuvant Adjuvant
Adjuvant Adjuvant A B E F C G D o/w emulsion 125 .mu.l 100 .mu.l
83.33 .mu.l 62.5 .mu.l 50 .mu.l 31.25 .mu.l 25 .mu.l Components:
Tocopherol 5.94 mg 4.28 mg 3.57 mg 2.68 mg 2.38 mg 1.34 mg 1.19 mg
Squalene 5.35 mg 4.75 mg 3.96 mg 2.97 mg 2.14 mg 1.49 mg 1.07 mg
Polysorbate 80 2.43 mg 1.94 mg 1.62 mg 1.21 mg 0.97 mg 0.61 mg 0.48
mg
[0050] The invention further provides an adjuvant composition
comprising the individual components as defined herein above and in
the amount defined above, for example but not exclusively as
illustrated in Table 1. Typically such an adjuvant composition will
be in a human dose suitable volume. Where the adjuvant is in a
liquid form to be combined with a liquid form of an antigenic
composition, the adjuvant composition will be in a human dose
suitable volume which is a fraction of the intended final volume of
the human dose, such as for example approximately half of the
intended final volume of the human dose, for example a 350 .mu.l
volume for an intended human dose of 0.7 ml, or a 250 .mu.l volume
for an intended human dose of 0.5 ml. The adjuvant composition is
diluted when combined with the antigen composition to provide the
final human dose of vaccine. The final volume of such dose will of
course vary dependent on the initial volume of the adjuvant
composition and the volume of antigen composition added to the
adjuvant composition. In an alternative embodiment, liquid adjuvant
is used to reconstitute a lyophilised antigen composition. In this
embodiment, the human dose suitable volume of the adjuvant
composition is approximately equal to the final volume of the human
dose. The liquid adjuvant composition is added to the vial
containing the lyophilised antigen composition. The final human
dose can vary between 0.5 and 1.5 ml.
[0051] The method of producing oil-in-water emulsions is well known
to the person skilled in the art. Commonly, the method comprises
mixing the tocol-containing oil phase with a surfactant such as a
PBS/TWEEN80.TM. solution, followed by homogenisation using a
homogenizer, it would be clear to a man skilled in the art that a
method comprising passing the mixture twice through a syringe
needle would be suitable for homogenising small volumes of liquid.
Equally, the emulsification process in microfluidiser (M110S
Microfluidics machine, maximum of 50 passes, for a period of 2
minutes at maximum pressure input of 6 bar (output pressure of
about 850 bar)) could be adapted by the man skilled in the art to
produce smaller or larger volumes of emulsion. The adaptation could
be achieved by routine experimentation comprising the measurement
of the resultant emulsion until a preparation was achieved with oil
droplets of the required diameter.
[0052] In an oil in water emulsion, the oil and emulsifier should
be in an aqueous carrier. The aqueous carrier may be, for example,
phosphate buffered saline.
[0053] Preferably the oil-in-water emulsion systems of the present
invention have a small oil droplet size in the sub-micron range.
Suitably the droplet sizes will be in the range 120 to 750 nm, more
preferably sizes from 120 to 600 nm in diameter. Most preferably
the oil-in water emulsion contains oil droplets of which at least
70% by intensity are less than 500 nm in diameter, more preferably
at least 80% by intensity are less than 300 nm in diameter, more
preferably at least 90% by intensity are in the range of 120 to 200
nm in diameter.
[0054] The oil droplet size, i.e. diameter, according to the
present invention is given by intensity. There are several ways of
determining the diameter of the oil droplet size by intensity.
Intensity is measured by use of a sizing instrument, suitably by
dynamic light scattering such as the Malvern Zetasizer 4000 or
preferably the Malvern Zetasizer 3000HS. A detailed procedure is
given in Example II.2. A first possibility is to determine the z
average diameter ZAD by dynamic light scattering (PCS-Photon
correlation spectroscopy); this method additionally give the
polydispersity index (PDI), and both the ZAD and PDI are calculated
with the cumulants algorithm. These values do not require the
knowledge of the particle refractive index. A second mean is to
calculate the diameter of the oil droplet by determining the whole
particle size distribution by another algorithm, either the Contin,
or NNLS, or the automatic "Malvern" one (the default algorithm
provided for by the sizing instrument). Most of the time, as the
particle refractive index of a complex composition is unknown, only
the intensity distribution is taken into consideration, and if
necessary the intensity mean originating from this
distribution.
Optional Immunostimulants
[0055] In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a
vaccine or immunogenic composition comprising an antigen or antigen
composition and an adjuvant composition comprising an oil in water
emulsion and optionally one or more further immunostimulants,
wherein said oil in water emulsion comprises 0.5-10 mg
metabolisable oil, 0.5-11 mg tocol and 0.4-4 mg emulsifying
agent.
[0056] In one embodiment the adjuvant composition comprises an oil
and water emulsion as described herein. In a further embodiment the
adjuvant composition may further comprise one or more additional
adjuvants or immunostimulants. In a further embodiment the adjuvant
composition optionally comprises one or more additional adjuvants
or immunostimulants other than QS21 and/or MPL.
[0057] The optional additional adjuvant is selected from the group:
a saponin, lipid A or a derivative thereof, an immunostimulatory
oligonucleotide, an alkyl glucosaminide phosphate, a metal salt, a
toll-like receptor agonist or combinations thereof. It is preferred
that the adjuvant is a Toll like receptor agonist in particular an
agonist of a Toll like receptor 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 or 9, or a saponin.
It is further preferred that the adjuvant system comprises two or
more adjuvants from the above list. Combinations preferably contain
a saponin (in particular QS21) adjuvant and/or a Toll like receptor
4 agonist such as 3D-MPL or a Toll like recpetor 9 agonist such as
a CpG containing immunostimulatory oligonucleotide. Other preferred
combinations comprise a saponin (in particular QS21) and a Toll
like receptor 4 agonist such as a saponin (in particular QS21) and
a Toll like receptor 4 ligand such as 3D-MPL or an alkyl
glucosaminide phosphate.
[0058] In an embodiment the additional adjuvant is a Toll like
receptor (TLR) 4 ligand, preferably an agonist such as a lipid A
derivative particularly monophosphoryl lipid A or more particularly
3 Deacylated monophoshoryl lipid A (3 D-MPL).
[0059] 3D-MPL is available under the trademark MPL.RTM. by
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals North America and primarily promotes
CD4+ T cell responses with an IFN-g (Th1) phenotype. It can be
produced according to the methods disclosed in GB 2 220 211 A.
Chemically it is a mixture of 3-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A
with 3, 4, 5 or 6 acylated chains. Preferably in the compositions
of the present invention small particle 3 D-MPL is used. Small
particle 3 D-MPL has a particle size such that it may be
sterile-filtered through a 0.22 .mu.m filter. Such preparations are
described in International Patent Application No. WO 94/21292.
Synthetic derivatives of lipid A are known and thought to be TLR 4
agonists including, but not limited to: [0060] OM174
(2-deoxy-6-o-[2-deoxy-2-[(R)-3-dodecanoyloxytetra-decanoylamino]-4-o-phos-
phono-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl]-2-[(R)-3-hydroxytetradecanoylamino]-.alpha.-
-D-glucopyranosyldihydrogenphosphate), (WO 95/14026) [0061] OM 294
DP (3S,
9R)-3-[(R)-dodecanoyloxytetradecanoylamino]-4-oxo-5-aza-9(R)-[(R)-3-hydro-
xytetradecanoylamino]decan-1,10-diol,1,10-bis(dihydrogenophosphate)
(WO99/64301 and WO 00/0462) [0062] OM 197 MP-Ac DP (3S-,
9R)-3-[(R)-dodecanoyloxytetradecanoylamino]-4-oxo-5-aza-9-[(R)-3-hydroxyt-
etradecanoylamino]decan-1,10-diol,1-dihydrogenophosphate
10-(6-aminohexanoate) (WO 01/46127)
[0063] Other TLR4 ligands which may be used are alkyl Glucosaminide
phosphates (AGPs) such as those disclosed in WO9850399 or U.S. Pat.
No. 6,303,347 (processes for preparation of AGPs are also
disclosed), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of AGPs as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,764,840. Some AGPs are TLR4 agonists,
and some are TLR4 antagonists. Both are thought to be useful as
adjuvants.
[0064] Other suitable TLR-4 ligands, capable of causing a
signalling response through TLR-4 (Sabroe et al, JI 2003 p 1630-5)
are, for example, lipopolysaccharide from gram-negative bacteria
and its derivatives, or fragments thereof, in particular a
non-toxic derivative of LPS (such as 3D-MPL). Other suitable TLR
agonist are: heat shock protein (HSP) 10, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 90;
surfactant Protein A, hyaluronan oligosaccharides, heparan sulphate
fragments, fibronectin fragments, fibrinogen peptides and
b-defensin-2, muramyl dipeptide (MDP) or F protein of respiratory
syncitial virus. In one embodiment the TLR agonist is HSP 60, 70 or
90.
[0065] Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are type I transmembrane
receptors, evolutionarily conserved between insects and humans. Ten
TLRs have so far been established (TLRs 1-10) (Sabroe et al, JI
2003 p 1630-5). Members of the TLR family have similar
extracellular and intracellular domains; their extracellular
domains have been shown to have leucine-rich repeating sequences,
and their intracellular domains are similar to the intracellular
region of the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R). TLR cells are
expressed differentially among immune cells and other cells
(including vascular epithelial cells, adipocytes, cardiac myocytes
and intestinal epithelial cells). The intracellular domain of the
TLRs can interact with the adaptor protein Myd88, which also posses
the IL-1R domain in its cytoplasmic region, leading to NF-KB
activation of cytokines; this Myd88 pathway is one way by which
cytokine release is effected by TLR activation. The main expression
of TLRs is in cell types such as antigen presenting cells (eg
dendritic cells, macrophages etc).
[0066] Activation of dendritic cells by stimulation through the
TLRs leads to maturation of dendritic cells, and production of
inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12. Research carried out so far
has found that TLRs recognise different types of agonists, although
some agonists are common to several TLRs. TLR agonists are
predominantly derived from bacteria or viruses, and include
molecules such as flagellin or bacterial lipopolysaccharide
(LPS).
[0067] By "TLR agonist" it is meant a component which is capable of
causing a signalling response through a TLR signalling pathway,
either as a direct ligand or indirectly through generation of
endogenous or exogenous ligand (Sabroe et al, JI 2003 p
1630-5).
[0068] In another embodiment, other natural or synthetic agonists
of TLR molecules are used as optional additional immunostimulants.
These could include, but are not limited to agonists for TLR2,
TLR3, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9.
[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, a TLR agonist is
used that is capable of causing a signalling response through TLR-1
(Sabroe et al, JI 2003 p 1630-5). Suitably, the TLR agonist capable
of causing a signalling response through TLR-1 is selected from:
Tri-acylated lipopeptides (LPs); phenol-soluble modulin;
Mycobacterium tuberculosis LP;
S-(2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2-RS)-propyl)-N-palmitoyl-(R)-Cys-(S)-Ser-(-
S)-Lys(4)-OH, trihydrochloride (Pam.sub.3Cys) LP which mimics the
acetylated amino terminus of a bacterial lipoprotein and OspA LP
from Borrelia burgdorfei.
[0070] In an alternative embodiment, a TLR agonist is used that is
capable of causing a signalling response through TLR-2 (Sabroe et
al, JI 2003 p 1630-5). Suitably, the TLR agonist capable of causing
a signalling response through TLR-2 is one or more of a
lipoprotein, a peptidoglycan, a bacterial lipopeptide from M
tuberculosis, B burgdorferi. T pallidum; peptidoglycans from
species including Staphylococcus aureus; lipoteichoic acids,
mannuronic acids, Neisseria porins, bacterial fimbriae, Yersina
virulence factors, CMV virions, measles haemagglutinin, and zymosan
from yeast.
[0071] In an alternative embodiment, a TLR agonist is used that is
capable of causing a signalling response through TLR-3 (Sabroe et
al, JI 2003 p 1630-5). Suitably, the TLR agonist capable of causing
a signalling response through TLR-3 is double stranded RNA (dsRNA),
or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly IC), a molecular nucleic
acid pattern associated with viral infection.
[0072] In an alternative embodiment, a TLR agonist is used that is
capable of causing a signalling response through TLR-5 (Sabroe et
al, JI 2003 p 1630-5). Suitably, the TLR agonist capable of causing
a signalling response through TLR-5 is bacterial flagellin.
[0073] In an alternative embodiment, a TLR agonist is used that is
capable of causing a signalling response through TLR-6 (Sabroe et
al, JI 2003 p 1630-5). Suitably, the TLR agonist capable of causing
a signalling response through TLR-6 is mycobacterial lipoprotein,
di-acylated LP, and phenol-soluble modulin. Further TLR6 agonists
are described in WO2003043572.
[0074] In an alternative embodiment, a TLR agonist is used that is
capable of causing a signalling response through TLR-7 (Sabroe et
al, JI 2003 p 1630-5). Suitably, the TLR agonist capable of causing
a signalling response through TLR-7 is a single stranded RNA
(ssRNA), loxoribine, a guanosine analogue at positions N7 and C8,
or an imidazoquinoline compound, or derivative thereof. In one
embodiment, the TLR agonist is imiquimod. Further TLR7 agonists are
described in WO02085905.
[0075] In an alternative embodiment, a TLR agonist is used that is
capable of causing a signalling response through TLR-8 (Sabroe et
al, JI 2003 p 1630-5). Suitably, the TLR agonist capable of causing
a signalling response through TLR-8 is a single stranded RNA
(ssRNA), an imidazoquinoline molecule with anti-viral activity, for
example resiquimod (R848); resiquimod is also capable of
recognition by TLR-7. Other TLR-8 agonists which may be used
include those described in WO2004071459.
[0076] Immunostimulatory oligonucleotides or any other Toll-like
receptor (TLR) 9 agonist may also be used. The preferred
oligonucleotides for use in adjuvants or vaccines or immunogenic
compositions of the present invention are CpG containing
oligonucleotides, preferably containing two or more dinucleotide
CpG motifs separated by at least three, more preferably at least
six or more nucleotides. A CpG motif is a Cytosine nucleotide
followed by a Guanine nucleotide. The CpG oligonucleotides of the
present invention are typically deoxynucleotides. In a preferred
embodiment the internucleotide in the oligonucleotide is
phosphorodithioate, or more preferably a phosphorothioate bond,
although phosphodiester and other internucleotide bonds are within
the scope of the invention. Also included within the scope of the
invention are oligonucleotides with mixed internucleotide linkages.
Methods for producing phosphorothioate oligonucleotides or
phosphorodithioate are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,153, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,278,302 and WO95/26204.
[0077] Examples of preferred oligonucleotides have the following
sequences. The sequences preferably contain phosphorothioate
modified internucleotide linkages.
TABLE-US-00002 OLIGO 1(SEQ ID NO: 1): TCC ATG ACG TTC CTG ACG TT
(CpG 1826) OLIGO 2 (SEQ ID NO: 2): TCT CCC AGC GTG CGC CAT (CpG
1758) OLIGO 3(SEQ ID NO: 3): ACC GAT GAC GTC GCC GGT GAC GGC ACC
ACG OLIGO 4 (SEQ ID NO: 4): TCG TCG TTT TGT CGT TTT GTC GTT (CpG
2006) OLIGO 5 (SEQ ID NO: 5): TCC ATG ACG TTC CTG ATG CT (CpG 1668)
OLIGO 6 (SEQ ID NO: 6): TCG ACG TTT TCG GCG CGC GCC G (CpG
5456)
[0078] Alternative CpG oligonucleotides may comprise the preferred
sequences above in that they have inconsequential deletions or
additions thereto. The CpG oligonucleotides utilised in the present
invention may be synthesized by any method known in the art (for
example see EP 468520). Conveniently, such oligonucleotides may be
synthesized utilising an automated synthesizer.
[0079] Accordingly, in another embodiment, the adjuvant composition
further comprises an additional immunostimulant which is selected
from the group consisting of: a TLR-1 agonist, a TLR-2 agonist,
TLR-3 agonist, a TLR-4 agonist, TLR-5 agonist, a TLR-6 agonist,
TLR-7 agonist, a TLR-8 agonist, TLR-9 agonist, or a combination
thereof.
[0080] Another preferred immunostimulants for use in the present
invention is Quil A and its derivatives. Quil A is a saponin
preparation isolated from the South American tree Quilaja Saponaria
Molina and was first described as having adjuvant activity by
Dalsgaard et al. in 1974 ("Saponin adjuvants", Archiv. fur die
gesamte Virusforschung, Vol. 44, Springer Verlag, Berlin, p
243-254). Purified fragments of Quil A have been isolated by HPLC
which retain adjuvant activity without the toxicity associated with
Quil A (EP 0 362 278), for example QS7 and QS21 (also known as QA7
and QA21). QS-21 is a natural saponin derived from the bark of
Quillaja saponaria Molina which induces CD8+ cytotoxic T cells
(CTLs), Th1 cells and a predominant IgG2a antibody response and is
a preferred saponin in the context of the present invention.
[0081] Particular formulations of QS21 have been described which
are particularly preferred, these formulations further comprise a
sterol (WO96/33739). Where squalene and a saponin (optionally QS21)
are included, it is of benefit to also include a sterol (optionally
cholesterol) to the formulation as this allows a reduction in the
total level of oil in the emulsion. This leads to a reduced cost of
manufacture, improvement of the overall comfort of the vaccination,
and also qualitative and quantitative improvements of the resultant
immune responses, such as improved IFN-.gamma. production.
Accordingly, the adjuvant system of the present invention typically
comprises a ratio of metabolisable oil:saponin (w/w) in the range
of 200:1 to 300:1, also the present invention can be used in a "low
oil" form the optional range of which is 1:1 to 200:1, optionally
20:1 to 100:1, or substantially 48:1, this vaccine retains the
beneficial adjuvant properties of all of the components, with a
much reduced reactogenicity profile. Accordingly, some embodiments
have a ratio of squalene:QS21 (w/w) in the range of 1:1 to 250:1,
or 20:1 to 200:1, or 20:1 to 100:1, or substantially 48:1.
Optionally a sterol (e.g. cholesterol) is also included present at
a ratio of saponin:sterol as described herein.
Antigens and Antigen Composition
[0082] The vaccine or immunogenic formulations contain a
Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen capable of eliciting an immune
response against a human or animal pathogen. Where the pneumococcal
antigen is a protein, the protein is optionally conjugation for
example to a saccharide. Optionally, the protein is unconjugated or
present in the immunogenic composition as a free protein. An
unconjugated protein is not covalently bound to a saccharide as a
carrier protein.
[0083] In an embodiment of the invention, the immunogenic
compositon of the invention comprises a pneumococcal protein which
is optionally a member of the polyhistidine triad family (Pht)
proteins, fragments or fusion proteins or immunologically
functional equivalent thereof. The PhtA, PhtB, PhtD or PhtE
proteins may have an amino acid sequence sharing 80%, 85%, 90%,
95%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity with a sequence disclosed in WO
00/37105 or WO 00/39299 (e.g. with amino acid sequence 1-838 or
21-838 of SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO 00/37105 for PhtD). For example,
fusion proteins are composed of full length or fragments of 2, 3 or
4 of PhtA, PhtB, PhtD, PhtE. Examples of fusion proteins are
PhtA/B, PhtA/D, PhtA/E, PhtB/A, PhtB/D, PhtB/E. PhtD/A. PhtD/B,
PhtD/E, PhtE/A, PhtE/B and PhtE/D, wherein the proteins are linked
with the first mentioned at the N-terminus (see for example
WO01/98334).
[0084] Where fragments of Pht proteins are used (separately or as
part of a fusion protein), each fragment optionally contains one or
more histidine triad motif(s) and/or coiled coil regions of such
polypeptides. A histidine triad motif is the portion of polypeptide
that has the sequence HxxHxH (SEQ ID NO: 7) where H is histidine
and x is an amino acid other than histidine. A coiled coil region
is a region predicted by "Coils" algorithm Lupus, A et al (1991)
Science 252; 1162-1164. In an embodiment the or each fragment
includes one or more histidine triad motif as well as at least one
coiled coil region. In an embodiment, the or each fragment contains
exactly or at least 2, 3, 4 or 5 histidine triad motifs
(optionally, with native Pht sequence between the 2 or more triads,
or intra-triad sequence that is more than 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or
100% identical to a native pneumococcal intra-triad Pht
sequence--e.g. the intra-triad sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO
00/37105 for PhtD). In an embodiment, the or each fragment contains
exactly or at least 2, 3 or 4 coiled coil regions. In an embodiment
a Pht protein disclosed herein includes the full length protein
with the signal sequence attached, the mature full length protein
with the signal peptide (for example 20 amino acids at N-terminus)
removed, naturally occurring variants of Pht protein and
immunogenic fragments of Pht protein (e.g. fragments as described
above or polypeptides comprising at least 15 or 20 contiguous amino
acids from an amino acid sequence in WO00/37105 or WO00/39299
wherein said polypeptide is capable of eliciting an immune response
specific for said amino acid sequence in WO00/37105 or
WO00/39299).
[0085] In particular, the term "PhtD" as used herein includes the
full length protein with the signal sequence attached, the mature
full length protein with the signal peptide (for example 20 amino
acids at N-terminus) removed, naturally occurring variants of PhtD
and immunogenic fragments of PhtD (e.g. fragments as described
above or polypeptides comprising at least 15 or 20 contiguous amino
acids from a PhtD amino acid sequence in WO00/37105 or WO00/39299
wherein said polypeptide is capable of eliciting an immune response
specific for said PhtD amino acid sequence in WO00/37105 or
WO00/39299 (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO 00/37105 for PhtD).
[0086] In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition of the
invention comprises at least 1 protein selected from the group
consisting of the Poly Histidine Triad family (PhtX), Choline
Binding Protein family (CbpX), CbpX truncates, LytX family, LytX
truncates, CbpX truncate-LytX truncate chimeric proteins (or
fusions), pneumolysin (Ply), PspA, PsaA, Sp128, Sp101, Sp130, Sp125
and Sp133. In a further embodiment, the immunogenic composition
comprises 2 or more proteins selected from the group consisting of
the Poly Histidine Triad family (PhtX), Choline Binding Protein
family (CbpX), CbpX truncates, LytX family, LytX truncates, CbpX
truncate-LytX truncate chimeric proteins (or fusions), pneumolysin
(Ply), PspA, PsaA, and Sp128. In one more embodiment, the
immunogenic composition comprises 2 or more proteins selected from
the group consisting of the Poly Histidine Triad family (PhtX),
Choline Binding Protein family (CbpX), CbpX truncates, LytX family,
LytX truncates, CbpX truncate-LytX truncate chimeric proteins (or
fusions), pneumolysin (Ply), and Sp128.
[0087] The Pht (Poly Histidine Triad) family comprises proteins
PhtA, PhtB, PhtD, and PhtE. The family is characterized by a
lipidation sequence, two domains separated by a proline-rich region
and several histidine triads, possibly involved in metal or
nucleoside binding or enzymatic activity, (3-5) coiled-coil
regions, a conserved N-terminus and a heterogeneous C terminus. It
is present in all strains of pneumococci tested. Homologous
proteins have also been found in other Streptococci and Neisseria.
In one embodiment of the invention, the Pht protein of the
invention is PhtD. It is understood, however, that the terms Pht A,
B, D, and E refer to proteins having sequences disclosed in the
citations below as well as naturally-occurring (and man-made)
variants thereof that have a sequence homology that is at least 90%
identical to the referenced proteins. Optionally it is at least 95%
identical or at least 97% identical.
[0088] With regards to the PhtX proteins, PhtA is disclosed in WO
98/18930, and is also referred to Sp36. As noted above, it is a
protein from the polyhistidine triad family and has the type II
signal motif of LXXC (SEQ ID NO: 8). PhtD is disclosed in WO
00/37105, and is also referred to Sp036D. As noted above, it also
is a protein from the polyhistidine triad family and has the type
II LXXC (SEQ ID NO: 8) signal motif. PhtB is disclosed in WO
00/37105, and is also referred to Sp036B. Another member of the
PhtB family is the C3-Degrading Polypeptide, as disclosed in WO
00/17370. This protein also is from the polyhistidine triad family
and has the type II LXXC (SEQ ID NO: 8) signal motif. For example,
an immunologically functional equivalent is the protein Sp42
disclosed in WO 98/18930. A PhtB truncate (approximately 79 kD) is
disclosed in WO99/15675 which is also considered a member of the
PhtX family. PhtE is disclosed in WO00/30299 and is referred to as
BVH-3. Where any Pht protein is referred to herein, it is meant
that immunogenic fragments or fusions thereof of the Pht protein
can be used. For example, a reference to PhtX includes immunogenic
fragments or fusions thereof from any Pht protein. A reference to
PhtD or PhtB is also a reference to PhtDE or PhtBE fusions as
found, for example, in WO0198334.
[0089] Pneumolysin is a multifunctional toxin with a distinct
cytolytic (hemolytic) and complement activation activities (Rubins
et al., Am. Respi. Cit Care Med, 153:1339-1346 (1996)). The toxin
is not secreted by pneumococci, but it is released upon lysis of
pneumococci under the influence of autolysin. Its effects include
e.g., the stimulation of the production of inflammatory cytokines
by human monocytes, the inhibition of the beating of cilia on human
respiratory epithelial, and the decrease of bactericidal activity
and migration of neutrophils. The most obvious effect of
pneumolysin is in the lysis of red blood cells, which involves
binding to cholesterol. Because it is a toxin, it needs to be
detoxified (i.e., non-toxic to a human when provided at a dosage
suitable for protection) before it can be administered in vivo.
Expression and cloning of wild-type or native pneumolysin is known
in the art. See, for example, Walker et al. (Infect Immun,
55:1184-1189 (1987)), Mitchell et al. (Biochim Biophys Acta,
1007:67-72 (1989) and Mitchell et al (NAR, 18:4010 (1990)).
Detoxification of ply can be conducted by chemical means, e.g.,
subject to formalin or glutaraldehyde treatment or a combination of
both (WO 04081515, PCT/EP2005/010258). Such methods are well known
in the art for various toxins. Alternatively, ply can be
genetically detoxified. Thus, the invention encompasses derivatives
of pneumococcal proteins which may be, for example, mutated
proteins. The term "mutated" is used herein to mean a molecule
which has undergone deletion, addition or substitution of one or
more amino acids using well known techniques for site directed
mutagenesis or any other conventional method. For example, as
described above, a mutant ply protein may be altered so that it is
biologically inactive whilst still maintaining its immunogenic
epitopes, see, for example, WO90/06951, Berry et al. (Infect Immun,
67:981-985 (1999)) and WO99/03884.
[0090] As used herein, it is understood that the term "Ply" refers
to mutated or detoxified pneumolysin suitable for medical use
(i.e., non toxic).
[0091] Concerning the Choline Binding Protein family (CbpX),
members of that family were originally identified as pneumococcal
proteins that could be purified by choline-affininty
chromatography. All of the choline-binding proteins are
non-covalently bound to phosphorylcholine moieties of cell wall
teichoic acid and membrane-associated lipoteichoic acid.
Structurally, they have several regions in common over the entire
family, although the exact nature of the proteins (amino acid
sequence, length, etc.) can vary. In general, choline binding
proteins comprise an N terminal region (N), conserved repeat
regions (R1 and/or R2), a proline rich region (P) and a conserved
choline binding region (C), made up of multiple repeats, that
comprises approximately one half of the protein. As used in this
application, the term "Choline Binding Protein family (CbpX)" is
selected from the group consisting of Choline Binding Proteins as
identified in WO97/41151, PbcA, SpsA, PspC, CbpA, CbpD, and CbpG.
CbpA is disclosed in WO97/41151. CbpD and CbpG are disclosed in
WO00/29434. PspC is disclosed in WO97/09994. PbcA is disclosed in
WO98/21337. SpsA is a Choline binding protein disclosed in WO
98/39450. Optionally the Choline Binding Proteins are selected from
the group consisting of CbpA, PbcA, SpsA and PspC.
[0092] An embodiment of the invention comprises CbpX truncates
wherein "CbpX" is defined above and "truncates" refers to CbpX
proteins lacking 50% or more of the Choline binding region (C).
Optionally such proteins lack the entire choline binding region.
Optionally, the such protein truncates lack (i) the choline binding
region and (ii) a portion of the N-terminal half of the protein as
well, yet retain at least one repeat region (R1 or R2). Optionally,
the truncate has 2 repeat regions (R1 and R2). Examples of such
embodiments are NR1.times.R2 and R1.times.R2 as illustrated in
WO99/51266 or WO99/51188, however, other choline binding proteins
lacking a similar choline binding region are also contemplated
within the scope of this invention.
[0093] The LytX family is membrane associated proteins associated
with cell lysis. The N-terminal domain comprises choline binding
domain(s), however the LytX family does not have all the features
found in the CbpA family noted above and thus for the present
invention, the LytX family is considered distinct from the CbpX
family. In contrast with the CbpX family, the C-terminal domain
contains the catalytic domain of the LytX protein family. The
family comprises LytA, B and C. With regards to the LytX family,
LytA is disclosed in Ronda et al., Eur J Biochem, 164:621-624
(1987). LytB is disclosed in WO 98/18930, and is also referred to
as Sp46. LytC is also disclosed in WO 98/18930, and is also
referred to as Sp91. An embodiment of the invention comprises
LytC.
[0094] Another embodiment comprises LytX truncates wherein "LytX"
is defined above and "truncates" refers to LytX proteins lacking
50% or more of the Choline binding region. Optionally such proteins
lack the entire choline binding region. Yet another embodiment of
this invention comprises CbpX truncate-LytX truncate chimeric
proteins (or fusions). Optionally this comprises NR1.times.R2 (or
R1.times.R2) of CbpX and the C-terminal portion (Cterm, i.e.,
lacking the choline binding domains) of LytX (e.g., LytCCterm or
Sp91Cterm). Optionally CbpX is selected from the group consisting
of CbpA, PbcA, SpsA and PspC. Optionally, it is CbpA. Optionally,
LytX is LytC (also referred to as Sp91). Another embodiment of the
present invention is a PspA or PsaA truncate lacking the choline
binding domain (C) and expressed as a fusion protein with LytX.
Optionally, LytX is LytC.
[0095] With regards to PsaA and PspA, both are know in the art. For
example, PsaA and transmembrane deletion variants thereof have been
described by Berry & Paton, Infect Immun 1996 December;
64(12):5255-62. PspA and transmembrane deletion variants thereof
have been disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,193, WO
92/14488, and WO 99/53940.
[0096] Sp128 and Sp130 are disclosed in WO00/76540. Sp125 is an
example of a pneumococcal surface protein with the Cell Wall
Anchored motif of LPXTG (SEQ ID NO: 9, where X is any amino acid).
Any protein within this class of pneumococcal surface protein with
this motif has been found to be useful within the context of this
invention, and is therefore considered a further protein of the
invention. Sp125 itself is disclosed in WO 98/18930, and is also
known as ZmpB--a zinc metalloproteinase. Sp101 is disclosed in WO
98/06734 (where it has the reference #y85993). It is characterized
by a Type I signal sequence. Sp133 is disclosed in WO 98/06734
(where it has the reference #y85992). It is also characterized by a
Type I signal sequence.
[0097] The proteins of the invention may also be beneficially
combined. By combined is meant that the immunogenic composition
comprises all of the proteins from within the following
combinations, either as carrier proteins or as free proteins or a
mixture of the two. For example, in a combination of two proteins
as set out hereinafter, both proteins may be used as carrier
proteins, or both proteins may be present as free proteins, or both
may be present as carrier and as free protein, or one may be
present as a carrier protein and a free protein whilst the other is
present only as a carrier protein or only as a free protein, or one
may be present as a carrier protein and the other as a free
protein. Where a combination of three proteins is given, similar
possibilities exist. Combinations include, but are not limited to,
PhtD+NR1.times.R2, PhtD+NR1.times.R2-Sp91Cterm chimeric or fusion
proteins, PhtD+Ply, PhtD+Sp128, PhtD+PsaA, PhtD+PspA,
PhtA+NR1.times.R2, PhtA+NR1.times.R2-Sp91Cterm chimeric or fusion
proteins, PhtA+Ply, PhtA+Sp128, PhtA+PsaA, PhtA+PspA,
NR1.times.R2+LytC, NR1.times.R2+PspA, NR1.times.R2+PsaA,
NR1.times.R2+Sp128, R1.times.R2+LytC, R1.times.R2+PspA,
R1.times.R2+PsaA, R1.times.R2+Sp128, R1.times.R2+PhtD,
R1.times.R2+PhtA. Optionally, NR1.times.R2 (or R1.times.R2) is from
CbpA or PspC. Optionally it is from CbpA. Other combinations
include 3 protein combinations such as PhtD+NR1.times.R2+Ply, and
PhtA+NR1.times.R2+PhtD. In one embodiment, the vaccine composition
comprises detoxified pneumolysin and PhtD or PhtDE as carrier
proteins. In a further embodiment, the vaccine composition
comprises detoxified pneumolysin and PhtD or PhtDE as free
proteins.
[0098] An effective immune response against PhtD or fusion protein
thereof is measured for example by a protection assay such as that
described in example 15. An effective immune response provides at
least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% survival 7 days after
challenge with a heterologous strain. Given that the challenge
strain is heterologous, the protection afforded is due to the
immune response against PhtD or fusion protein thereof.
[0099] Alternatively, an effective immune response against PhtD is
measured by ELISA as described in example 14. An effective immune
response gives an anti-PhtD IgG response of at least 250, 300, 350,
400, 500, 550 or 600 .mu.g/ml GMC.
[0100] In an embodiment, the immunogenic composition of the
invention comprises pneumolysin.
[0101] In an embodiment, the immunogenic composition of the
invention comprises a pneumococcal protein disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,699,703, for example, pneumococcal pprotein having the
sequence or encoded by the sequence of SEQ ID NOs 1-5326 of U.S.
Pat. No. 6,699,703.
[0102] In an embodiment of the invention, the immunogenic
composition comprises a pneumococcal protein which is not disclosed
in PCT/EP2007/060743.
[0103] The present invention further provides a vaccine containing
the immunogenic compositions of the invention and a
pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
[0104] In an embodiment, the immunogenic composition of the
invention comprises a pneumococcal protein selected from the group
consisting of PhtA, PhtD, PhtB, PhtE, LytB, LytC, LytA, Sp125,
SP101, Sp128, Sp130, Sp133 or proteins disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,699,703, including S. pneumoniae proteins represented or encoded
by SEQ ID NOs: 5225, 5200, 3166, 4360, 5137, 4263, 3166, 5226,
3716, 4360, 5243, 3964, 5179, 3850, 4263, 5137, 5226, 5325, 3850,
5179 or 5325 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,703, or immunologically
functional equivalent thereof. Immunologically functional
equivalents include sequences which share at least 80, 90, 95, 98
or 99% identity to the stated sequence. Immunologically functional
equivalent also include fragments having at least 6, 10, 20, 30, 40
or 50 contiguous amino acids from the stated sequence.
Immunologically functional equivalents are capable of eliciting an
immune response which recognises the native antigen.
Vaccination
[0105] The vaccine preparations containing immunogenic compositions
of the present invention may be used to protect or treat a mammal
susceptible to infection, by means of administering said vaccine
via systemic or mucosal route. These administrations may include
injection via the intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intradermal or
subcutaneous routes; or via mucosal administration to the
oral/alimentary, respiratory, genitourinary tracts. Although the
vaccine of the invention may be administered as a single dose,
components thereof may also be co-administered together at the same
time or at different times (for instance pneumococcal saccharide
conjugates could be administered separately, at the same time or
1-2 weeks after the administration of the any bacterial protein
component of the vaccine for optimal coordination of the immune
responses with respect to each other). In addition, the vaccines of
the invention may be administered IM for priming doses and IN for
booster doses.
[0106] The content of protein antigens in the vaccine will
typically be in the range 1-100 .mu.g, preferably 5-50 .mu.g, most
typically in the range 5-25 .mu.g. Following an initial
vaccination, subjects may receive one or several booster
immunizations adequately spaced.
[0107] Vaccine preparation is generally described in Vaccine Design
("The subunit and adjuvant approach" (eds Powell M. F. & Newman
M. J.) (1995) Plenum Press New York). Encapsulation within
liposomes is described by Fullerton, U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,877.
[0108] The vaccines of the present invention may be stored in
solution or lyophilized. Preferably the solution is lyophilized in
the presence of a sugar such as sucrose or lactose. It is still
further preferable that they are lyophilized and extemporaneously
reconstituted prior to use.
[0109] In one aspect of the invention is provided a vaccine kit,
comprising a vial containing an immunogenic composition of the
invention, optionally in lyophilised form, and further comprising a
vial containing an adjuvant as described herein. It is envisioned
that in this aspect of the invention, the adjuvant will be used to
reconstitute the lyophilised immunogenic composition.
[0110] Although the vaccines of the present invention may be
administered by any route, administration of the described vaccines
into the skin (ID) forms one embodiment of the present invention.
Human skin comprises an outer "horny" cuticle, called the stratum
corneum, which overlays the epidermis. Underneath this epidermis is
a layer called the dermis, which in turn overlays the subcutaneous
tissue. Researchers have shown that injection of a vaccine into the
skin, and in particular the dermis, stimulates an immune response,
which may also be associated with a number of additional
advantages. Intradermal vaccination with the vaccines described
herein forms a preferred feature of the present invention.
[0111] The conventional technique of intradermal injection, the
"mantoux procedure", comprises steps of cleaning the skin, and then
stretching with one hand, and with the bevel of a narrow gauge
needle (26-31 gauge) facing upwards the needle is inserted at an
angle of between 10-15.degree.. Once the bevel of the needle is
inserted, the barrel of the needle is lowered and further advanced
whilst providing a slight pressure to elevate it under the skin.
The liquid is then injected very slowly thereby forming a bleb or
bump on the skin surface, followed by slow withdrawal of the
needle.
[0112] More recently, devices that are specifically designed to
administer liquid agents into or across the skin have been
described, for example the devices described in WO 99/34850 and EP
1092444, also the jet injection devices described for example in WO
01/13977; U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,381, U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,302, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,334,144, U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,412, U.S. Pat. No.
5,649,912, U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,189, U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,911, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,383,851, U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,397, U.S. Pat. No.
5,466,220, U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,163, U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,335, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,503,627, U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,413, U.S. Pat. No.
5,520,639, U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,556, U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,824, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,941,880, U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,460, WO 97/37705 and WO
97/13537. Alternative methods of intradermal administration of the
vaccine preparations may include conventional syringes and needles,
or devices designed for ballistic delivery of solid vaccines (WO
99/27961), or transdermal patches (WO 97/48440; WO 98/28037); or
applied to the surface of the skin (transdermal or transcutaneous
delivery WO 98/20734; WO 98/28037).
[0113] When the vaccines of the present invention are to be
administered to the skin, or more specifically into the dermis, the
vaccine is in a low liquid volume, particularly a volume of between
about 0.05 ml and 0.2 ml.
[0114] The content of antigens in the skin or intradermal vaccines
of the present invention may be similar to conventional doses as
found in intramuscular vaccines (see above). However, it is a
feature of skin or intradermal vaccines that the formulations may
be "low dose". Accordingly the protein antigens in "low dose"
vaccines are preferably present in as little as 0.1 to 10 .mu.g,
preferably 0.1 to 5 .mu.g per dose; and the saccharide (preferably
conjugated) antigens may be present in the range of 0.01-1 .mu.g,
and preferably between 0.01 to 0.5 .mu.g of saccharide per
dose.
[0115] As used herein, the term "intradermal delivery" means
delivery of the vaccine to the region of the dermis in the skin.
However, the vaccine will not necessarily be located exclusively in
the dermis. The dermis is the layer in the skin located between
about 1.0 and about 2.0 mm from the surface in human skin, but
there is a certain amount of variation between individuals and in
different parts of the body. In general, it can be expected to
reach the dermis by going 1.5 mm below the surface of the skin. The
dermis is located between the stratum corneum and the epidermis at
the surface and the subcutaneous layer below. Depending on the mode
of delivery, the vaccine may ultimately be located solely or
primarily within the dermis, or it may ultimately be distributed
within the epidermis and the dermis.
[0116] The amount of each antigen in each vaccine dose is selected
as an amount which induces an immunoprotective response without
significant, adverse side effects in typical vaccinees. Such amount
will vary depending upon which specific immunogen is employed and
how it is presented.
[0117] In a further embodiment there is provided a method of
treatment of an individual susceptible to or suffering from a
disease by the administration of a composition as substantially
described herein.
[0118] Also provided is a method to prevent an individual from
contracting a disease selected from the group comprising infectious
bacterial and viral diseases, parasitic diseases, particularly
intracellular pathogenic disease, proliferative diseases such as
prostate, breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, renal, ovarian or
melanoma cancers; non-cancer chronic disorders, allergy comprising
the administration of a composition as substantially described
herein to said individual.
[0119] In a further embodiment there is provided a vaccine
composition for use in the prophylactic therapy or therapy of a
condition or disease wherein the vaccine composition comprises an
antigen or antigen composition and an adjuvant composition
consisting of an oil in water emulsion comprising 0.5-10 mg
metabolisable oil, 0.5-11 mg tocol and 0.1-4 mg emulsifying agent,
per human dose.
[0120] In a further embodiment there is provided the use of a
vaccine composition in the manufacture of a medicament for use in
prophylactic therapy or therapy of a condition or disease wherein
the vaccine composition comprises an antigen or antigen composition
and an adjuvant composition consisting of an oil in water emulsion
comprising 0.5-10 mg metabolisable oil, 0.5-11 mg tocol and 0.1-4
mg emulsifying agent, per human dose.
[0121] The invention will be further described by reference to the
following, non-limiting, examples:
Example I describes immunological read-out methods used in mice,
ferrets, pigs and human studies. Example II describes the
preparation of the oil in water emulsion and adjuvant formulations
used in the studies exemplified. Example III shows a clinical trial
in an adult population aged 18-59 years with a vaccine containing a
split influenza antigen preparation and various doses of AS03
adjuvant Example IV shows a preclinical evaluation of adjuvanted
and non-adjuvanted split influenza vaccines (comprising various
doses of AS03 adjuvant) in primed BALB/c mice Example V shows a
preclinical evaluation of adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted split
influenza vaccines (comprising various doses of AS03 adjuvant) in
primed C57Bl/6 mice Example VI shows a preclinical evaluation of
adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted split influenza vaccines (comprising
various doses of AS03 adjuvant and low dose antigen) in primed
C57Bl/6 mice Example VII shows a preclinical evaluation of
adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted split H5N1 vaccines (comprising
various doses of AS03 adjuvant and antigen) in naive C57Bl/6 mice
Example VIII shows a preclinical evaluation of adjuvanted and
non-adjuvanted influenza vaccines in primed Large White pigs
Example I
Immunological Read-Out Methods
I.1. Mice Methods
I.1.1. Hemagglutination Inhibition Test
Test Principle (Classical Procedure).
[0122] Anti-Hemagglutinin antibody titers to the three (seasonal)
influenza virus strains are determined using the hemagglutination
inhibition test (HI). The principle of the HI test is based on the
ability of specific anti-Influenza antibodies to inhibit
hemagglutination of red blood cells (RBC) by influenza virus
hemagglutinin (HA). Heat inactivated sera are treated by Kaolin and
RBC to remove non-specific inhibitors. After pretreatment, two-fold
dilutions of sera are incubated with 4 hemagglutination units of
each influenza strain. Red blood cells are then added and the
inhibition of agglutination is scored. The titers are expressed as
the reciprocal of the highest dilution of serum that completely
inhibited hemagglutination. As the first dilution of sera is 1:20,
an undetectable level is scored as a titer equal to 10.
Adaptation for H5N1 (Specific Description of HI Using Horse
Erythrocytes):
[0123] As the classical HI assay for determining anti-HA antibodies
was documented to not well function for the H5N1 strain, and
adapted protocol using horse RBC was used. Erythrocytes of horses
are used for the H5N1 Pandemic strains. 0.5% (end concentration)
horse red blood cell suspension in phosphate buffer containing 0.5%
BSA (bovine serum albumin, end concentration). This suspension is
prepared every day by washing red blood cell with the same
phosphate buffer and a subsequent centrifugation step (10 min, 2000
rpm). This washing step has to be repeated once. After the addition
of the horse red blood cells to the reaction mix of sera and virus
suspension; the plates have to be incubated at room temperature
(RT, 20.degree. C.+/-2.degree. C.) for two hours due to the low
sedimentation rate of the horse red blood cells.
Statistical Analysis
[0124] Statistical analysis were performed on post vaccination HI
titers using UNISTAT. The protocol applied for analysis of variance
can be briefly described as follow: [0125] Log transformation of
data [0126] Shapiro-Wilk test on each population (group) in order
to verify the normality of groups distribution [0127] Cochran test
in order to verify the homogenicity of variance between the
different populations (groups) [0128] Analysis of variance on
selected data. [0129] Test for interaction of two-way ANOVA [0130]
Tukey-HSD Test for multiple comparisons
I.1.2. Intracellular Cytokine Staining
[0131] This technique allows a quantification of antigen specific T
lymphocytes on the basis of cytokine production: effector T cells
and/or effector-memory T cells produce IFN-.gamma. and/or central
memory T cells produce IL-2. PBMCs are harvested at day 7
post-immunization.
[0132] Lymphoid cells are re-stimulated in vitro in the presence of
secretion inhibitor (Brefeldine). These cells are then processed by
conventional immunofluorescent procedure using fluorescent
antibodies (CD4, CD8, IFN-.gamma. and IL-2). Results are expressed
as a frequency of cytokine positive cell within CD4/CD8 T cells.
Intracellular staining of cytokines of T cells was performed on
PBMC 7 days after the second immunization. Blood was collected from
mice and pooled in heparinated medium RPMI+Add. For blood,
RPMI+Add-diluted PBL suspensions were layered onto a
Lympholyte-Mammal gradient according to the recommended protocol
(centrifuge 20 min at 2500 rpm and R.T.). The mononuclear cells at
the interface were removed, washed 2.times. in RPMI+Add and PBMCs
suspensions were adjusted to 2.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml in RPMI 5%
fetal calf serum.
[0133] In vitro antigen stimulation of PBMCs was carried out at a
final concentration of 1.times.10.sup.7 cells/ml (tube FACS) with
Whole FI (1 .mu.g HA/strain) and then incubated 2 hrs at 37.degree.
C. with the addition of anti-CD28 and anti-CD49d (1 .mu.g/ml for
both).
[0134] Following the antigen restimulation step, PBMC are incubated
overnight at 37.degree. C. in presence of Brefeldin (1 .mu.g/ml) at
37.degree. C. to inhibit cytokine secretion.
[0135] IFN-.gamma./IL-2/CD4/CD8 staining was performed as follows:
Cell suspensions were washed, resuspended in 50 .mu.l of PBS 1% FCS
containing 2% Fc blocking reagent (1/50; 2.4G2). After 10 min
incubation at 4.degree. C., 50 .mu.l of a mixture of anti-CD4-PE
(2/50) and anti-CD8 perCp (3/50) was added and incubated 30 min at
4.degree. C. After a washing in PBS 1% FCS, cells were
permeabilized by resuspending in 200 .mu.l of Cytofix-Cytoperm (Kit
BD) and incubated 20 min at 4.degree. C. Cells were then washed
with Perm Wash (Kit BD) and resuspended with 50 .mu.l of a mix of
anti-IFN-.gamma. APC (1/50)+anti-IL-2 FITC (1/50) diluted in Perm
Wash. After an incubation min 2 h max overnight at 4.degree. C.,
cells were washed with Perm Wash and resuspended in PBS 1% FCS+1%
paraformaldehyde. Sample analysis was performed by FACS. Live cells
were gated (FSC/SSC) and acquisition was performed on .about.20,000
events (lymphocytes) or 35,000 events on CD4+ T cells. The
percentages of IFN-.gamma.+ or IL2+ were calculated on CD4+ and
CD8+ gated populations.
I.1.3. Anti-H5N1 ELISA.
[0136] Quantitation of anti-H5N1 Ig, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody titers
was performed by ELISA using split H5N1 as coating. Virus and
antibody solutions were used at 100 .mu.l per well. Split virus
H5N1 was diluted at a final concentration of 1 .mu.g/ml in PBS and
was adsorbed overnight at 4.degree. C. to the wells of 96 wells
microtiter plates (Maxisorb Immunoplate Nunc 439454). The plates
were then incubated for 1 hour at 37.degree. C. with 200 .mu.l per
well of PBS containing 1% BSA and 0.1% Tween 20 (saturation
buffer). Twelve two-fold dilutions of sera in saturation buffer
were added to the H5N1-coated plates and incubated for 1 h 30 at
37.degree. C. The plates were washed four times with PBS 0.1% Tween
20. Biotinilated-conjugated anti-mouse Ig (Prozan-E0413) diluted
1/500 or Biotinilated-conjugated anti-mouse IgG1 (Imtech 1070-08),
or a biotynilated anti-mouse IgG2b (Imtech 1090-08) dimuated 1/4000
in PBS 1% BSA 0.1% Tween 20 was added to each well and incubated
for 1.30 hour at 37.degree. C.; after a washing step, plates were
incubated 30 min with a Streptavidine-Biotine-Preoxidase conjugated
(Prozan P0397) diluated 1/10000 in PBS 1% BSA Tween 20.
[0137] For the colorimetric revelation, plates were incubated 20
min at 22.degree. C. with a solution of o-phenyldiamine (Sigma
P4664) 0.04% H2O2 0.03% in 0.1 M citrate buffer pH 4.2. The
reaction was stopped with H.sub.2SO.sub.4 2N and micoplates were
read at 490-630 nm.
I.2. Ferrets Methods
I.2.1. Hemagglutination Inhibition Test (HI)
[0138] Test procedure.
[0139] Anti-Hemagglutinin antibody titers to the three influenza
virus strains were determined using the hemagglutination inhibition
test (HI). The principle of the HI test is based on the ability of
specific anti-Influenza antibodies to inhibit hemagglutination of
chicken red blood cells (RBC) by influenza virus hemagglutinin
(HA). Sera were first treated with a 25% neuraminidase solution
(RDE) and were heat-inactivated to remove non-specific inhibitors.
After pre-treatment, two-fold dilutions of sera were incubated with
4 hemagglutination units of each influenza strain. Chicken red
blood cells were then added and the inhibition of agglutination was
scored. The titers were expressed as the reciprocal of the highest
dilution of serum that completely inhibited hemagglutination. As
the first dilution of sera was 1:10, an undetectable level was
scored as a titer equal to 5.
Statistical Analysis.
[0140] Statistical analysis were performed on HI titers (Day 41,
before challenge) using UNISTAT. The protocol applied for analysis
of variance can be briefly described as followed: [0141] Log
transformation of data. [0142] Shapiro-wilk test on each population
(group) in ordetr to verify the normality of groups distribution.
[0143] Cochran test in order to verify the homogenicity of variance
between the different populations (groups). [0144] Test for
interaction of one-way ANOVA. [0145] Tuckey-HSD Test for multiple
comparisons.
I.2.2. Body Temperature Monitoring
[0146] Individual temperatures were monitored during the challenge
period with the transmitters and by the telemetry recording. All
implants were checked and refurbished and a new calibration was
performed by DSI (Data Sciences International, Centaurusweg 123,
5015 TC Tilburg, The Netherlands) before placement in the
intraperitoneal cavity. All animals were individually housed in
single cage during these measurements.
[0147] Temperatures were recorded every 15 minutes 4 days before
challenge until 7 days Post-challenge.
I.2.3. Nasal Washes
[0148] The nasal washes were performed by administration of 5 ml of
PBS in both nostrils in awoke animals. The inoculum was collected
in a Petri dish and placed into sample containers on dry ice.
Viral Titration in Nasal Washes
[0149] All nasal samples were first sterile filtered through Spin X
filters (Costar) to remove any bacterial contamination. 50 .mu.l of
serial ten-fold dilutions of nasal washes were transferred to
microtiter plates containing 50 .mu.l of medium (10
wells/dilution). 100 .mu.l of MDCK cells (2.4.times.10.sup.5
cells/ml) were then added to each well and incubated at 35.degree.
C. for 5-7 days.
[0150] After 5-7 days of incubation, the culture medium is gently
removed and 100 .mu.l of a 1/20 WST-1 containing medium is added
and incubated for another 18 hrs.
[0151] The intensity of the yellow formazan dye produced upon
reduction of WST-1 by viable cells is proportional to the number of
viable cells present in the well at the end of the viral titration
assay and is quantified by measuring the absorbance of each well at
the appropriate wavelength (450 nanometers). The cut-off is defined
as the OD average of uninfected control cells -0.3 OD (0.3 OD
correspond to +/-3 StDev of OD of uninfected control cells). A
positive score is defined when OD is <cut-off and in contrast a
negative score is defined when OD is >cut-off. Viral shedding
titers were determined by "Reed and Muench" and expressed as Log
TCID50/ml.
I.3. Pig Methods
I.3.1. Hemaqqlutination Inhibition Test (HI)
Test Procedure.
[0152] Anti-Hemagglutinin antibody titers to the three influenza
virus strains were determined using the hemagglutination inhibition
test (HI). The principle of the HI test is based on the ability of
specific anti-Influenza antibodies to inhibit hemagglutination of
chicken red blood cells (RBC) by influenza virus hemagglutinin
(HA). Sera were first treated with a 25% neuraminidase solution
(RDE) and were heat-inactivated to remove non-specific inhibitors.
After pre-treatment, two-fold dilutions of sera were incubated with
4 hemagglutination units of each influenza strain. Chicken red
blood cells were then added and the inhibition of agglutination was
scored. The titers were expressed as the reciprocal of the highest
dilution of serum that completely inhibited hemagglutination. As
the first dilution of sera was 1:10, an undetectable level was
scored as a titer equal to 5.
Statistical Analysis.
[0153] Statistical analysis were performed on HI titers (Day 41,
before challenge) using UNISTAT. The protocol applied for analysis
of variance can be briefly described as followed: [0154] Log
transformation of data. [0155] Shapiro-wilk test on each population
(group) in ordetr to verify the normality of groups distribution.
[0156] Cochran test in order to verify the homogenicity of variance
between the different populations (groups). [0157] Test for
interaction of one-way ANOVA. [0158] Tuckey-HSD Test for multiple
comparisons.
I.4. Assays for Assessing the Immune Response in Humans
I.4.1. Hemaqqlutination Inhibition Assay
[0159] The immune response was determined by measuring HI
antibodies using the method described by the WHO Collaborating
Centre for influenza, Centres for Disease Control, Atlanta, USA
(1991).
[0160] Antibody titre measurements were conducted on thawed frozen
serum samples with a standardised and comprehensively validated
micromethod using 4 hemagglutination-inhibiting units (4 HIU) of
the appropriate antigens and a 0.5% fowl erythrocyte suspension.
Non-specific serum inhibitors were removed by heat treatment and
receptor-destroying enzyme.
[0161] The sera obtained were evaluated for HI antibody levels.
Starting with an initial dilution of 1:10, a dilution series (by a
factor of 2) was prepared up to an end dilution of 1:20480. The
titration end-point was taken as the highest dilution step that
showed complete inhibition (100%) of hemagglutination. All assays
were performed in duplicate.
I.4.2. Neuraminidase Inhibition Assay
[0162] The assay was performed in fetuin-coated microtitre plates.
A 2-fold dilution series of the antiserum was prepared and mixed
with a standardised amount of influenza A H3N2, H1N1 or influenza B
virus. The test was based on the biological activity of the
neuraminidase which enzymatically releases neuraminic acid from
fetuin. After cleavage of the terminal neuraminic acid
.beta.-D-glactose-N-acetyl-galactosamin was unmasked. Horseradish
peroxidase (HRP)-labelled peanut agglutinin from Arachis hypogaea,
which binds specifically to the galactose structures, was added to
the wells. The amount of bound agglutinin can be detected and
quantified in a substrate reaction with tetra-methylbenzidine (TMB)
The highest antibody dilution that still inhibits the viral
neuraminidase activity by at least 50% was indicated is the NI
titre.
I.4.3. Neutralising Antibody Assay
[0163] Neutralising antibody measurements were conducted on thawed
frozen serum samples. Virus neutralisation by antibodies contained
in the serum was determined in a microneutralization assay. The
sera were used without further treatment in the assay. Each serum
was tested in triplicate. A standardised amount of virus was mixed
with serial dilutions of serum and incubated to allow binding of
the antibodies to the virus. A cell suspension, containing a
defined amount of MDCK cells was then added to the mixture of virus
and antiserum and incubated at 33.degree. C. After the incubation
period, virus replication was visualised by hemagglutination of
chicken red blood cells. The 50% neutralisation titre of a serum
was calculated by the method of Reed and Muench.
I.4.4. Cell-Mediated Immunity was Evaluated by Cytokine Flow
Cytometry (CFC)
[0164] Peripheral blood antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells can be
restimulated in vitro to produce IL-2, CD40L, TNF-alpha and IFN if
incubated with their corresponding antigen. Consequently,
antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells can be enumerated by flow
cytometry following conventional immunofluorescence labelling of
cellular phenotype as well as intracellular cytokines production.
In the present study, Influenza vaccine antigen as well as peptides
derived from specific influenza protein were used as antigen to
restimulate Influenza-specific T cells. Results were expressed as a
frequency of cytokine(s)-positive CD4 or CD8 T cell within the CD4
or CD8 T cell sub-population.
I.4.5. Statistical Methods
I.4.5.1. Primary Endpoints
[0165] Percentage, intensity and relationship to vaccination of
solicited local and general signs and symptoms during a 7 day
follow-up period (i.e. day of vaccination and 6 subsequent days)
after vaccination and overall.
[0166] Percentage, intensity and relationship to vaccination of
unsolicited local and general signs and symptoms during a 21 day
follow-up period (i.e. day of vaccination and 20 subsequent days)
after vaccination and overall.
[0167] Occurrence of serious adverse events during the entire
study.
I.4.5.2. Secondary Endpoints
For the Humoral Immune Response:
Observed Variables:
[0168] At days 0 and 21: serum hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and
NI antibody titres, tested separately against each of the three
influenza virus strains represented in the vaccine (anti-H1N1,
anti-H3N2 & anti-B-antibodies).
[0169] At days 0 and 21: neutralising antibody titres, tested
separately against each of the three influenza virus strains
represented in the vaccine
Derived Variables (with 95% Confidence Intervals):
[0170] Geometric mean titres (GMTs) of serum HI antibodies with 95%
confidence intervals (95% CI) pre and post-vaccination
[0171] Seroconversion rates* with 95% CI at day 21
[0172] Conversion factors** with 95% CI at day 21
[0173] Seroprotection rates*** with 95% CI at day 21
[0174] Serum NI antibody GMTs' (with 95% confidence intervals) at
all timepoints. * Seroconversion rate defined as the percentage of
vaccinees who have at least a 4-fold increase in serum HI titres on
day 21 compared to day 0, for each vaccine strain.**Conversion
factor defined as the fold increase in serum HI GMTs on day 21
compared to day 0, for each vaccine strain.***Protection rate
defined as the percentage of vaccinees with a serum HI titre=40
after vaccination (for each vaccine strain) that usually is
accepted as indicating protection.
[0175] It should be understood, that for some of the clinical
trials, reactogenicity/safety may be secondary endpoints, and
immunogenicity may be the primary endpoint.
For the Cell Mediated Immune (CMI) Response
Observed Variable
[0176] At days 0 and 21: frequency of cytokine-positive CD4/CD8
cells per 10.sup.6 in different tests. Each test quantifies the
response of CD4/CD8 T cell to: [0177] Peptide Influenza (pf)
antigen (the precise nature and origin of these antigens needs to
be given/explained [0178] Split Influenza (sf) antigen [0179] Whole
Influenza (wf) antigen.
Derived Variables:
[0180] cells producing at least two different cytokines (CD40L,
IL-2, IFN.gamma., TNF.alpha.)
[0181] cells producing at least CD40L and another cytokine (IL-2,
TNF.alpha., IFN.gamma.)
[0182] cells producing at least IL-2 and another cytokine (CD40L,
TNF.alpha., IFN.gamma.)
[0183] cells producing at least IFN.gamma. and another cytokine
(IL-2, TNF.alpha., CD40L)
[0184] cells producing at least TNF.alpha. and another cytokine
(IL-2, CD40L, IFN.gamma.)
I.3.5.3. Analysis of Immunogenicity
[0185] The immunogenicity analysis was based on the total
vaccinated cohort. For each treatment group, the following
parameters (with 95% confidence intervals) were calculated: [0186]
Geometric mean titres (GMTs) of HI and NI antibody titres at days 0
and 21 [0187] Geometric mean titres (GMTs) of neutralising antibody
titres at days 0 and 21. [0188] Conversion factors at day 21.
[0189] Seroconversion rates (SC) at day 21 defined as the
percentage of vaccinees that have at least a 4-fold increase in
serum HI titres on day 21 compared to day 0. [0190] Protection
rates at day 21 defined as the percentage of vaccinees with a serum
HI titre=1:40. [0191] The frequency of CD4/CD8 T-lymphocytes
secreting in response was summarised (descriptive statistics) for
each vaccination group, at each timepoint (Day 0, Day 21) and for
each antigen (Peptide influenza (pf), split influenza (sf) and
whole influenza (wf)). [0192] Descriptive statistics in individual
difference between timepoint (Post-Pre) responses fore each
vaccination group and each antigen (pf, sf, and wf) at each 5
different tests. [0193] A non-parametric test (Kruskall-Wallis
test) was used to compare the location differences between the 3
groups and the statistical p-value was calculated for each antigen
at each 5 different tests. All significance tests were two-tailed.
P-values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered as
statistically significant.
Example II
Preparation of the Oil in Water Emulsion and Adjuvant
Formulations
[0194] Unless otherwise stated, the oil/water emulsion used in the
subsequent examples is composed an organic phase made of 2 oils
(alpha-tocopherol and squalene), and an aqueous phase of PBS
containing Tween 80 as emulsifying agent. Unless otherwise stated,
the oil in water emulsion adjuvant formulations used in the
subsequent examples were made comprising the following oil in water
emulsion component (final concentrations given): 2.5% squalene
(v/v), 2.5% alpha-tocopherol (v/v), 0.9% polyoxyethylene sorbitan
monooleate (v/v) (Tween 80), see WO 95/17210. This emulsion, termed
AS03 in the subsequent examples, was prepared as followed as a
two-fold concentrate.
II.1. Preparation of Emulsion SB62
[0195] This method was used in the studies reported in the clinical
and pre-clinical examples sections. The preparation of the SB62
emulsion is made by mixing under strong agitation of an oil phase
composed of hydrophobic components (DL-.alpha.-tocopherol and
squalene) and an aqueous phase containing the water soluble
components (the anionic detergent Tween 80 and PBS mod (modified),
pH 6.8). While stirring, the oil phase ( 1/10 total volume) is
transferred to the aqueous phase ( 9/10 total volume), and the
mixture is stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature. The
resulting mixture then subjected to shear, impact and cavitation
forces in the interaction chamber of a microfluidizer (15000 PSI--8
cycles, or 3 cycles in the adjuvant used in the clinical trial
reported in Example III) to produce submicron droplets
(distribution between 100 and 200 nm). The resulting pH is between
6.8.+-.0.1. The SB62 emulsion is then sterilised by filtration
through a 0.22 .mu.m membrane and the sterile bulk emulsion is
stored refrigerated in Cupac containers at 2 to 8.degree. C.
Sterile inert gas (nitrogen or argon) is flushed into the dead
volume of the SB62 emulsion final bulk container for at least 15
seconds.
The final composition of the SB62 emulsion is as follows:
[0196] Tween 80:1.8% (v/v) 19.4 mg/ml; Squalene: 5% (v/v) 42.8
mg/ml; .alpha.-tocopherol: 5% (v/v) 47.5 mg/ml; PBS-mod: NaCl 121
mM, KCl 2.38 mM, Na2HPO4 7.14 mM, KH2PO4 1.3 mM; pH 6.8.+-.0.1.
Example III
Clinical Trial in an Adult Population Aged 18-59 Years with a
Vaccine Containing a Split Influenza Antigen Preparation and
Various Doses of AS03 Adjuvant (Flu-LD-004)
III.1. Introduction
[0197] A phase II, controlled, randomized, single blind study was
conducted in an adult population aged 18-59 years old in 2006 in
order to evaluate the immunogenicity, safety and reactogenicity of
the GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals low dose influenza candidate
vaccine (i.e. containing 5 .mu.g HA per strain) with two doses of
AS03 adjuvant.
[0198] The humoral immune response (i.e. anti-hemagglutinin) was
measured 21 days after intramuscular administration of one dose of
an AS03 adjuvanted vaccine. Fluarix.TM. was used as reference.
III.2. Study Design
[0199] Three groups of subjects in parallel received the following
vaccine intramuscularly: [0200] one group of 100 subjects receiving
one injection of the low dose split virus influenza vaccine
containing 5 .mu.g HA adjuvanted with AS03 (FluLD1/1) [0201] one
group of 100 subjects receiving one injection of the low dose split
virus influenza vaccine containing 5 .mu.g HA adjuvanted with a
half dose of AS03 (AD03 1/2) (FluLD1/2) [0202] one group of 100
subjects receiving one dose of Fluarix.TM. (Fluarix)
[0203] Schedule: one IM injection of influenza vaccine at day 0,
study site visits at day 0 and day 21 with a blood sample
collection (HI antibody determination) and an additional phone
contact at day 30 (study conclusion).
[0204] The standard trivalent split influenza vaccine--Fluarix.TM.
used in this study, is a commercial vaccine from the year 2006
developed and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.
III.3. Study Objectives
III.3.1. Primary Objective
[0205] To evaluate the humoral immune response induced by the study
vaccines in term of anti-haemagglutinin antibody titers:
Observed Variables at Days 0 and 21: Serum
Heamagglutination-Inhibition Antibody Titers. Derived Variables
(with 95% Confidence Intervals):
[0206] Geometric mean titers (GMTs) of serum antibodies at days 0
and 21
[0207] Seroconversion rates* at day 21
[0208] Conversion factors** at day 21
[0209] Protection rates*** at days 0 and 21 * Seroconversion rate
for Haemagglutinin antibody response is defined as the percentage
of vaccinees who have either a prevaccination titer <1:10 and a
post-vaccination titer .gtoreq.1:40 or a prevaccination titer
.gtoreq.1:10 and at least a fourfold increase in post-vaccination
titer**Conversion factor defined as the fold increase in serum HI
GMTs post-vaccination compared to day 0;*** Protection rate defined
as the percentage of vaccinees with a serum HI titer .gtoreq.40
after vaccination that usually is accepted as indicating
protection.
III.3.2. Secondary Objective
[0210] To evaluate the safety and reactogenicity of the study
vaccines in term of solicited local and general adverse events,
unsolicited adverse events and serious adverse events: [0211] 1.
Occurence, intensity and relationship to vaccination of solicited
local and general signs and symptoms during a 7-day follow-up
period (i.e. day of vaccination and 6 subsequent days) after each
vaccination in each group. [0212] 2. Occurence, intensity and
relationship to vaccination of unsolicited local and general signs
and symptoms during a 30-day follow-up period (i.e. day of
vaccination and 29 subsequent days) after the vaccination in each
group. [0213] 3. Occurrence and relationship of serious adverse
events during the entire study period in each group.
III.4. Vaccine Composition and Administration
III.4.1. Vaccine Preparation
[0214] The non-adjuvanted influenza vaccine is a trivalent split
virion, inactivated influenza vaccine consisting of three
monovalent viral antigen bulks (prepared from respectively
influenza strains A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B). The antigens present in
this vaccine are the same as in the licensed Fluarix.TM. vaccine
which is available on the market as Fluarix.TM. (.alpha.-Rix.RTM.)
since 1992 and contain 15 .mu.g HA/strain per dose. The influenza
strains included in the FluLD clinical lots are the strains that
were chosen for the 2006/2007 Northern Hemisphere: [0215] A/New
Calcdonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like strain: A/New Calcdonia/20/99 (H1N1)
IVR-116 [0216] A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2)-like strain:
A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2) NYMCX-161 [0217]
B/Malaysia/2506/2004.
[0218] The antigens are derived from egg-grown viruses. Splitting
is carried out with sodium deoxycholate prior to the inactivation
step, which is performed through the subsequent action of sodium
deoxycholate and formaldehyde.
[0219] The AS03 adjuvanted low dose influenza (FluLD) vaccine
(clinical lots) is based on the commercially available Fluarix.TM.
vaccine (prepared from respectively influenza strains A/H1N1,
A/H3N2 and B), but with a lower antigen content and adjuvanted with
GSK adjuvant system AS03. AS03 consists of an oil-in-water emulsion
(SB62) that contains two biodegradable oils, squalene and
.alpha.-tocopherol (Vitamin E), and a surfactant, polysorbate 80
(Tween 80). Influenza antigens are incorporated in the aqueous
phase of the adjuvant system by simple mixing with the emulsion.
Two formulations have been tested, differing by the amount of
adjuvant introduced with the Flu antigens in the vaccine lot. The
adjuvanted vaccines contain 5 .mu.g haemagglutinin (HA) of each
influenza virus strain per dose, combined with a full dose (AS03)
or half a dose (AS03 1/2) of the adjuvant system AS03. The
excipients are the following: polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), octoxynol
10 (Triton X-100), alpha-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate, sodium
chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen
phosphate, potassium chloride, water for injection. The AS03
adjuvanted low dose influenza vaccines (FluLD, full or half dose of
AS03) are preservative-free vaccines. However, they contain trace
amounts of thiomersal (<1.25 .mu.g of Hg per dose) from the
early stages of the manufacturing process. They are both presented
as monodose vaccines in glass (Type I) pre-filled syringes at a
volume of 0.5 ml/dose.
III.4.1.1. Composition of AS03 Adjuvanted Influenza Vaccine
[0220] One dose of FluLD (full or half dose of AS03) corresponds to
0.5 ml. The composition is provided in Table 3. The HA content per
dose is 5 .mu.g for both formulations, the sole difference being
the amount of AS03 present in the final containers.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Composition of AS03 adjuvanted low dose
influenza vaccine (full and half dose of AS03) Quantity per dose
Component (0.5 ml) Inactivated split virions A/New Caledonia/20/99
(H1N1) IVR-116 5 .mu.g HA A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2) NYMCX-161 5
.mu.g HA B/Malaysia/2506/2004 5 .mu.g HA Adjuvant (Full Dose/Half
Dose) SB62 emulsion (Total Volume) 0.250 mL squalene 10.70 mg/5.35
mg DL-.alpha.-tocopherol 11.88 mg/5.94 mg Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80)
4.85 mg/2.425 mg Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) 0.122 mg Octoxynol 10
(Triton X-100) 0.0283 mg .alpha.Tocopheryl hydrogen succinate
0.01665 mg Sodium chloride 4 mg Disodium phosphate 0.575 mg
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate 0.100 mg Potassium chloride 0.101 mg
Water for injection ad 0.50 ml Abbreviations: HA = Haemagglutinin.
The total content in Polysorbate 80 corresponds to 4.972 mg per
dose when AS03 full dose is used, and 2.547 mg per dose when AS03
half dose is used.
III.4.1.2. Production of Split Inactivated Influenza Antigen
Preparation
[0221] The influenza antigens are identical to those included in
Fluarix.TM. (Influenza Virus Vaccine). The monovalent bulks consist
of purified inactivated split viruses that are prepared from
working seeds of the three strains of influenza virus, type A (H1N1
and H3N2) and type B, which are grown individually in embryonated
hens' eggs. These working seeds are derived from strains that are
received from a WHO collaborating center following the annual WHO
recommendations. For the process for preparing the antigens
reference is, by way of illustration, given to WO 02/097072. The
volumes of the three monovalent bulks are based on the HA content
measured in each monovalent bulk prior to the formulation and on
the target manufacturing volume.
[0222] A 10-times concentrated phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4
when 1 time concentrated) and a pre-mixture of Tween 80 and
.alpha.-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate are diluted in water for
injection, followed by stirring during 5-30 minutes at room
temperature.
[0223] The three concentrated monovalent bulks are then
successively diluted in the resulting phosphate buffered
saline/Tween 80--.alpha.-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate solution to
a concentration of [0224] 20 .mu.g HA of each A monovalent bulk
(H1N1, H3N2) [0225] 23.32 .mu.g HA of B monovalent bulk per mL of
intermediate trivalent bulk (5 .mu.g HA of each A monovalent bulk
and 5.83 .mu.g HA of B/500 .mu.l trivalent final bulk).
[0226] Between the additions of each monovalent bulk, the mixture
is stirred for 10-30 minutes at room temperature and for 15-30
minutes after addition of the last monovalent bulk. This
intermediate trivalent bulk also referred to as "pre-pool" can be
held at +2-+8.degree. C. or further processed to the final
formulation step on the same day. The final volume of pre-pool is
250 .mu.l per dose.
III.4.1.3. Preparation of the Vaccine Compositions with AS03
Adjuvant
Adjuvanted Vaccine: LD AS03 1/1 (Table 4)
[0227] PBS mod 10 fold concentrated (pH 7.4 when one fold
concentrated; 137 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 8.1 mM Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4,
1.47 mM KH.sub.2PO.sub.4, pH 7.4) as well as a mixture containing
Tween80, Triton X-100 and VES (quantities taking into account the
detergent present in the strains) are added to water for injection.
After 5 to 30 minutes stirring, 20 .mu.g HA per ml of each strain
H1N1 and H3N2 and 23.32 .mu.g HA per ml of B strain are added with
10 to 30 minutes stirring between each addition. After 15 to 30
minutes stirring, a small volume of the so called "intermediate
bulk" are discarded for analysis and stored between +2 and
+8.degree. C. The intermediate bulk is in PBS mod 1 fold
concentrated. The target's detergents concentration are 488 .mu.g
Tween 80 per ml, 73.6 .mu.g Triton X-100 per ml and 66.6 .mu.g VES
per ml.
[0228] The final formulation is then prepared: an equal volume of
SB62 (see preparation in Example II) is added to each 250 .mu.l of
pre-pool intermediate bulk and mixed during 30 to 60 minutes at
room temperature. pH is checked to range between 6.8 and 7.5.
Formulation is flushed with nitrogen and then stored between +2 and
8.degree. C. prior to filling.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 AS03 adjuvanted low dose vaccine Component
Concentration Volume (ml) Step 1: Prepool A/New Caledonia
monovalent bulk 104 .mu.g/ml 302.88 A/Wisconsin monovalent bulk 85
.mu.g/ml 370.59 B/Malaysia monovalent bulk 110 .mu.g/ml 333.90 PBS
mod(1) See legend 56.76 Tween 80 48000 .mu.g/ml 5.24 Triton X-100
Residual from H3N2 strain .alpha.-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate
26480 .mu.g/ml 1.2 Filtrated water 504.43 Total volume = 1575(ml)
75 ml of prepool samples are retrieved for testing Remaining
prepool volume = 1500 ml Step 2: added to prepool Emulsion SB62
1500 Total volume of final bulk = 3000(ml) (1)The buffer final bulk
composition is: 137 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 8.1 mM Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4,
1.47 mM KH.sub.2PO.sub.4, pH 7.4
Adjuvanted Vaccine: LD AS03 1/2 (Table 5)
[0229] PBS mod 10 fold concentrated (pH 7.4 when one fold
concentrated--see composition above) as well as a mixture
containing Tween 80, Triton X-100 and VES (quantities taking into
account the detergent present in the strains) are added to water
for injection. After 5 to 30 minutes stirring, 20 .mu.g HA per ml
of each strain H1N1 and H3N2 and 23.32 .mu.g HA per ml of B strain
are added with 10 to 30 minutes stirring between each addition.
After 15 to 30 minutes stirring, a small volume of the so called
"intermediate bulk" are discarded for analysis and stored between
+2 and +8.degree. C. PBS mod is 1 fold concentrated in the
intermediate bulk. The target's detergents concentration are 488
.mu.g Tween 80 per ml, 73.6 .mu.g Triton X-100 per ml and 66.6
.mu.g VES per ml
[0230] Final formulation is then prepared: SB62 is first diluted
with the PBS mod buffer and stirred for 15-30 minutes at RT. An
equal volume of this diluted SB62 is then added to each 250 .mu.l
of pre-pool of intermediate bulk. After 30 to 60 minutes stirring
at RT, pH is checked to range between 6.8 and 7.5. Formulation is
flushed with nitrogen and then stored between +2 and 8.degree. C.
prior to filling.
[0231] The final volume of both formulation is 500 .mu.l per dose
and the final HA concentration is 10 .mu.g of each A monovalent
bulk and 11.66 .mu.g of B monovalent bulk per ml of trivalent final
bulk. Final Tween 80, Triton X-100 (residual from H3N2 monobulk
manufacturing) and .alpha.-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate
(.alpha.-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate is an ester form of RRR (D
isomer)-.alpha.-tocopherol) target concentrations are 244 .mu.g/ml,
58.6 .mu.g/ml and 33.3 .mu.g/ml, respectively.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 AS03 adjuvanted low dose vaccine (half-dose
of adjuvant) Component Concentration Volume (ml) Step 1: Prepool
Step 1: Prepool A/New Caledonia monovalent bulk 104 .mu.g/ml 300.96
A/Wisconsin monovalent bulk 85 .mu.g/ml 368.24 B/Malaysia
monovalent bulk 110 .mu.g/ml 331.78 PBS mod(1) See legend 56.4
Tween 80 48000 .mu.g/ml 5.2 Triton X-100 Residual from H3N2 strain
.alpha.-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate 26480 .mu.g/ml 1.2 Filtrated
water 501.22 Total volume = 1565(ml) 65 ml of prepool samples are
retrieved for testing Remaining prepool volume = 1500(ml) Step 2:
added to prepool Emulsion SB62 750 PBS mod(1) See legend 75
Filtrated water 675 Total volume of final bulk = 3000(ml) (1)The
buffer final bulk composition is: 137 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 8.1 mM
Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 1.47 mM KH.sub.2PO.sub.4, pH 7.4
III.4.2. Vaccine Administration
[0232] The vaccine is filled into 1.25-ml sterile Type I (Ph. Eur.)
glass syringes. Each syringe is filled to a target of 0.57 ml
(range: 0.54-0.60 ml). The vaccines were administered
intramuscularly in the deltoid region of the non-dominant arm. All
vaccines were presented as pre-filled syringes (0.5 ml). In order
to ensure proper IM injection of the vaccine, a needle of at least
25G and at least 2.5 cm in length was used.
III.5 Study Population Results
[0233] A total of 300 subjects were enrolled in this study: 100
subjects in each of the 3 groups. The mean age of the total
vaccinated cohort at the time of vaccination was 36.7 years with a
standard deviation of 13.67 years. The mean age and gender
distribution of the subjects across the 3 vaccine groups was
similar.
III.6 Immunogenicity Results
[0234] Analysis of immunogenicity was performed on the ATP cohort
for immunogenicity (297 subjects).
Humoral Immune Response
[0235] In order to evaluate the humoral immune response induced by
the low dose influenza candidate vaccine adjuvanted with AS03, the
following parameters (with 95% confidence intervals) were
calculated for each treatment group: [0236] Geometric mean titres
(GMTs) of HI antibody titres at days 0 and 21; [0237]
Seroconversion rates (SC) at days 21; [0238] Conversion factors at
day 21; [0239] Protection rates at day 0 and 21.
III.6.1 HI Geometric Mean Titres (GMT)
[0240] The GMTs for HI antibodies with 95% CI are shown in Table 10
and FIG. 1. Adjusted GMT ratios between groups are shown in Table
11.
[0241] Pre-vaccination GMTs of HI antibodies for all 3 vaccine
strains were within the same range in the 3 treatment groups. The
observed GMTs at day 21 for adjuvanted groups tends to be higher
than Fluarix group for all 3 strains with a statistical difference
(no overlapping of 95% CIs and adjusted GMT ratio did not contain
the value 1) between FluLD1/1 and Fluarix for the A/Wisconsin
vaccine strain. A statistical difference (adjusted GMT ratio did
not contain the value 1) was observed also between FluLD1/2 and
Fluarix for the B/Malaysia vaccine strain.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 10 Seropositivity rates and Geometric mean
titers (GMTs) for anti-HA antibody at day 0 and 21 (ATP cohort for
immunogenicity) .gtoreq.10 1/DIL GMT 95% CI 95% CI Antibody Group
Timing N n % LL UL 1/DL LL UL Min Max A/New FluLD1/1 PRE 99 80 80.8
71.7 88.0 31.9 23.5 43.4 <10.0 2560.0 Caledonia PI(D21) 99 99
100 96.3 100 475.4 352.2 641.6 20.0 7240.0 FluLD1/2 PRE 99 80 80.8
71.7 88.0 36.1 26.9 48.5 <10.0 3620.0 PI(D21) 99 98 99.0 94.5
100 399.0 294.7 540.2 <10.0 7240.0 Fluarix PRE 98 85 86.7 78.4
92.7 26.1 20.5 33.2 <10.0 1280.0 PI(D21) 98 98 100 96.3 100
380.6 274.2 528.4 10.0 7240.0 A/Wisconsin FluLD1/1 PRE 99 61 61.6
51.3 71.2 16.8 13.1 21.5 <10.0 453.0 PI(D21) 99 99 100 96.3 100
276.2 223.5 341.3 28.0 5120.0 FluLD1/2 PRE 99 66 66.7 56.5 75.8
19.9 15.2 25.9 <10.0 640.0 PI(D21) 99 99 100 96.3 100 241.9
192.9 303.4 20.0 5120.0 Fluarix PRE 98 58 59.2 48.8 69.0 14.7 11.6
18.6 <10.0 320.0 PI(D21) 98 97 99.0 94.4 100 172.3 136.4 217.6
<10.0 5120.0 B/Malaysia FluLD1/1 PRE 99 72 72.7 62.9 81.2 20.4
15.9 26.1 <10.0 453.0 PI(D21) 99 99 100 96.3 100 268.6 221.3
326.0 28.0 2560.0 FluLD1/2 PRE 99 76 76.8 67.2 84.7 22.2 17.6 27.9
<10.0 320.0 PI(D21) 99 99 100 96.3 100 301.5 246.1 369.4 28.0
3620.0 Fluarix PRE 98 76 77.6 68.0 85.4 26.5 20.9 33.6 <10.0
320.0 PI(D21) 98 97 99.0 94.4 100 219.2 171.4 280.2 <10.0 5120.0
FluLD1/1 = Low dose influenza vaccine (5 ug HA/strain) with full
dose of AS03 adjuvant FluLD1/2 = Low dose influenza vaccine (5 ug
HA/strain) with half dose of AS03 adjuvant Fluarix = Fluarix
vaccine GMT = Geometric Mean antibody Titer N = Number of subjects
with available results n/% = number/percentage of seropositive
subjects (HI titer >= 1:10) 95% CI = 95% confidence interval, LL
= Lower Limit, UL = Upper Limit MIN/MAX = Minimum/Maximum PRE =
Pre-vaccination at day 0 PI(D21) = Post-vaccination at Day 21
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 11 Adjusted GMT ratios between groups for each
vaccine strain at day 21 (ATP cohort for immunogenicity) Adjusted
GMT ratio Group Adjusted Group Adjusted 95% CI Antibody description
N GMT description N GMT Ratio order Value LL UL A/New FluLD1/1 99
472.4 FluLD1/2 99 385.0 FluLD1/1/FluLD1/2 1.23 0.80 1.88 Caledonia
FluLD1/1 99 472.3 Fluarix 98 396.9 FluLD1/1/Fluarix 1.19 0.78 1.82
(1/DIL) FluLD1/2 99 385.0 Fluarix 98 397.0 FluLD1/2/Fluarix 0.97
0.63 1.49 A/Wisconsin FluLD1/1 99 277.3 FluLD1/2 99 230.0
FluLD1/1/FluLD1/2 1.21 0.90 1.62 (1/DIL) FluLD1/1 99 277.5 Fluarix
98 180.8 FluLD1/1/Fluarix 1.54 1.14 2.06 FluLD1/2 99 230.0 Fluarix
98 180.6 FluLD1/2/Fluarix 1.27 0.95 1.71 B/Malaysia FluLD1/1 99
275.1 FluLD1/2 99 303.4 FluLD1/1/FluLD1/2 0.91 0.68 1.22 (1/DIL)
FluLD1/1 99 275.2 Fluarix 98 212.7 FluLD1/1/Fluarix 1.29 0.96 1.74
FluLD1/2 99 303.4 Fluarix 98 212.6 FluLD1/1/Fluarix 1.43 1.06 1.92
FluLD1/1 = Low dose influenza vaccine (5 ug HA/strain) with full
dose of AS03 adjuvant FluLD1/2 = Low dose influenza vaccine (5 ug
HA/strain) with half dose of AS03 adjuvant Fluarix = Fluarix
vaccine Adjusted GMT = geometric mean antibody titre adjusted for
baseline titre N = Number of subjects with both pre- and
post-vaccination results available 95% CI = 95% confidence interval
for the adjusted GMT ratio (Ancova model: adjustment for baseline
titre-pooled variance with more than 2 groups); LL = lower limit,
UL = upper limit
III.6.2 Conversion Factors of Anti-HI Antibody Titres,
Seroprotection Rates and Seroconversion Rates (Correlates for
Protection as Established for Influenza Vaccine in Humans)
[0242] Results are presented in Table 6--FIG. 2 for seroprotection
rates, Table 7--FIG. 3 for seroconversion rates and Table 8--FIG. 4
for conversion factors.
[0243] The threshold required by the European Authorities for the
seroprotection rates (70%) was reached in all groups (at least
94.9%). For each vaccine strain, the seroprotection rates at day 21
for the 3 groups were within the same range.
[0244] The threshold required by the European Authorities for the
seroconversion rates (40%) was reached in all groups (at least
65%).
[0245] For the A/New Calcdonia vaccine strain, the SCR at day 21
for the 3 groups were within the same range.
[0246] For the A/Wisconsin vaccine strain, the SCR at day 21 for
the FluLD1/1 group tended to be higher compared to the Fluarix
group. The SCR at day 21 for the FluLD1/2 group was within the same
range compared to the Fluarix group.
[0247] For the B/Malaysia vaccine strain, the SCR at day 21 for the
FluLD1/2 group tended to be higher compared to the Fluarix group.
The SCR at day 21 for the FluLD1/1 group was within the same range
compared to the Fluarix group.
[0248] The threshold required by the European Authorities for the
seroconversion factors (2.5) was reached in all groups (at least
6.2).
[0249] For the A/New Calcdonia vaccine strain, the SCF at day 21
for the 3 groups seemed to be within the same range. The observed
value for FluLD1/2 group was lower than the observed value for the
Fluarix group but could be explained by the higher pre-vaccination
seroprotection rate in the FluLD1/2 group.
[0250] For the A/Wisconsin vaccine strain, the SCF at day 21 for
the FluLD1/1 group tended to be higher compared to the Fluarix
group. The SCF at day 21 for the FluLD1/2 group was within the same
range compared to Fluarix group.
[0251] For the B/Malaysia vaccine strain, the SCF at day 21 for the
two adjuvanted groups tended to be higher compared to the Fluarix
group.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 6 Seroprotection rates (SPR) for HI antibody
titer at day 0 and day 21 (ATP cohort for immunogenicity) SPR 95%
CI Vaccine strain Group Timing N n % LL UL A/New FluLD1/1 PRE 99 41
41.4 31.6 51.8 Caledonia PI(D21) 99 95 96.0 90.0 98.9 FluLD1/2 PRE
99 55 55.6 45.2 65.5 PI(D21) 99 97 98.0 92.9 99.8 Fluarix PRE 98 35
35.7 26.3 46.0 PI(D21) 98 93 94.9 88.5 98.3 A/Wisconsin FluLD1/1
PRE 99 32 32.3 23.3 42.5 PI(D21) 99 97 98.0 92.9 99.8 FluLD1/2 PRE
99 37 37.4 27.9 47.7 PI(D21) 99 97 98.0 92.9 99.8 Fluarix PRE 98 25
25.5 17.2 35.3 PI(D21) 98 93 94.9 *8.5 * B/Malaysia FluLD1/1 PRE 99
31 31.3 22.4 41.4 PI(D21) 99 97 98.0 92.9 99.8 FluLD1/2 PRE 99 39
39.4 29.7 49.7 PI(D21) 99 98 99.0 94.5 100 Fluarix PRE 98 44 44.9
34.8 55.3 PI(D21) 98 94 95.9 89.9 98.9 FluLD1/1 = Low dose
influenza vaccine (5 ug HA/strain) with full dose of AS03 adjuvant
FluLD1/2 = Low dose influenza vaccine (5 ug HA/strain) with half
dose of AS03 adjuvant Fluarix = Fluarix vaccine N = Number of
subjects with available results n/% = Number/percentage of
seroprotected subjects (HI titer <= 40 1/DIL) 95% CI = 95%
confidence interval, LL = Lower Limit, UL = Upper Limit PRE =
Pre-vaccination at day 0 PI(D1) = Post-vaccination at Day 21 Data
source = Appendix table IIIA
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 7 Seroconversion rate (SCR) for HI antibody
titer at day 21 (ATP cohort for immunogenicity) SCR 95% CI Vaccine
strain Group N n % LL UL A/New FluLD1/1 99 69 69.7 59.6 78.5
Caledonia FluLD1/2 99 64 64.6 54.4 74.0 Fluarix 98 66 67.3 57.1
76.5 A/Wisconsin FluLD1/1 99 88 88.9 81.0 94.3 FluLD1/2 99 79 79.8
70.5 87.2 Fluarix 98 73 74.5 64.7 82.8 B/Malaysia FluLD1/1 99 76
76.8 67.2 84.7 FluLD1/2 99 82 82.8 73.9 89.7 Fluarix 98 65 66.3
56.1 75.6 FluLD1/1 = Low dose influenza vaccine (5 ug HA/strain)
with full dose of AS03 adjuvant FluLD1/2 = Low dose influenza
vaccine (5 ug HA/strain) with half dose of AS03 adjuvant Fluarix =
Fluarix vaccine Seroconversion defined as: For initially
seronegative subjects, antibody titre >= 40 1/DIL after
vaccination For initially seropositive subjects, antibody titre
after vaccination >= 4 fold the pre-vaccination antibody titre N
= Number of subjects with pre- and post-vaccination results
available n/% = Number/percentage of seroconverted subjects 95% CI
= 95% confidence interval, LL = Lower Limit, UL = Upper Limit
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 8 Seroconversion factor (SCF) for HI antibody
titer at day 21 (ATP cohort for immunogenicity) SCF 95% CI Vaccine
strain Group N Value LL UL A/New Caledonia FluLD1/1 99 14.9 10.4
21.3 FluLD1/2 99 11.0 7.7 15.9 Fluarix 98 14.6 9.9 21.6 A/Wisconsin
FluLD1/1 99 16.5 13.0 20.9 FluLD1/2 99 12.2 9.2 16.1 Fluarix 98
11.7 8.8 * B/Malaysia FluLD1/1 99 13.2 10.0 17.4 FluLD1/2 99 13.6
10.2 18.0 Fluarix 98 8.3 6.2 11.0 FluLD1/1 = Low dose influenza
vaccine (5 ug HA/strain) with full dose of AS03 adjuvant FluLD1/2 =
Low dose influenza vaccine (5 ug HA/strain) with half dose of AS03
adjuvant Fluarix = Fluarix vaccine N = Number of subjects with pre-
and post-vaccination results available SCF = Seroconversion Factor
or geometric mean ratio (mean[log10(PI(D21)/PRE)]) 95% CI = 95%
confidence interval, LL = Lower Limit, UL = Upper Limit
III.7 Safety Conclusions
[0252] A higher reactogenicity in terms of solicited
(local/general) and unsolicited symptoms in the adjuvanted vaccine
groups compared to the Fluarix Group was the global trend observed
in this study.
[0253] A reduction of the AS03 content in the adjuvanted vaccine
has a significant impact on all the general and on the local grade
3 symptoms.
[0254] The occurrence of unsolicited symptoms tended to be higher
in the adjuvanted vaccine groups (55% and 47% of subjects),
compared to the Fluarix Group (35%).
[0255] From these results, it can be concluded that the
reactogenicity and safety profile of the candidate vaccines is
satisfactory and clinically acceptable.
III.8. Overall Conclusions
III.8.1. Immunogenicity Results
[0256] The primary objective of this study was to assess humoral
immune response (anti-HI antibody titres) elicited by low dose
influenza vaccine with two different concentrations of AS03
adjuvant, and by Fluarix.
[0257] At Day 21, the three vaccines exceeded the requirements of
the European authorities for annual registration of split virion
influenza vaccines ("Note for Guidance on Harmonisation of
Requirements for influenza Vaccines" for the immuno-logical
assessment of the annual strain changes--CPMP/BWP/214/96). GMTs
tended to be higher in the adjuvanted groups compared to the
Fluarix Group, with a statistically significant difference observed
for the A/Wisconsin (FluLD1/1 vs. Fluarix) and B/Malaysia vaccine
strains (FluLD1/2 vs. Fluarix). Similar seroprotection rates were
observed in all three vaccine groups, ranging from 94.9% to 99%.
Seroconversion rates and seroconversion factors were observed to be
higher in the adjuvanted groups than in the Fluarix Group. Data
from this trial also revealed that the immunogenicity induced by
the vaccine with half the dosage of AS03 adjuvant was comparable to
that induced with the full dose of adjuvant.
III.8.2. Reactogenicity and Safety Results
[0258] The administration of the low dose influenza candidate
vaccine adjuvanted with AS03 was safe and clinically well tolerated
in the study population, i.e. adult people aged between 18 and 59
years. The half dose adjuvanted vaccine showed a marked decrease in
the incidence of solicited local and general symptoms, compared to
the full dose adjuvanted vaccine.
Example IV
Preclinical Evaluation of Adjuvanted and Non-Adjuvanted Split
Influenza Vaccines (Comprising Various Doses of AS03 Adjuvant) in
Primed BALB/c Mice
IV.1. Experimental Design and Objective
[0259] Experiments in influenza-primed mice were performed in order
to evaluate the increase in humoral responses by AS03 induced by
influenza vaccines formulated with this oil-in-water adjuvant. To
simulate the human situation, an experiment was conducted using
mice primed with heterosubtypic strains.
IV.1.1. Treatment/Group (Table 9)
[0260] Groups of 27 adult female BALB/c mice were primed
intranasally (20 .mu.l volume) on day 0 with trivalent whole,
formalin-inactivated influenza virus (5 .mu.g HA for each strain).
Priming strains consisted of earlier drift variants (5 .mu.g HA
whole inactivated H1N1 A/Johannesburg/82/96, H3N2 A/Sydney/5/97,
B/Harbin/7/94) to those included in the vaccine. Twenty-eight days
later, the mice were vaccinated with a single dose of the vaccine
candidate intramuscularly in a total volume of 50 .mu.l. Mice were
immunized with formulations containing split antigens alone
(trivalent split plain) or formulations containing split antigens
adjuvanted with two doses of AS03 (full or 1/5). The strains used
for the immunizations included H1N1 A/New Calcdonia/20/99, H3N2
A/Panama/2007/99, B/Shangdong/7/97 viral antigens (1.5
.mu.g/strain, 1/10.sup.th of the human dose).
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 9 Gr Antigen/Formulation Other treatment 1
Trivalent split/Plain Heterologous priming D0 (non-adjuvanted) 2
Trivalent split/AS03 Heterologous priming D0 3 Trivalent split/AS03
1/5 Heterologous priming D0
IV.1.2. Preparation of the Vaccine Formulations
[0261] A Premix of Tween 80, Triton X100 and Vitamin E Succinate
(VES) is prepared in order to reach a final concentration into the
vaccine of 750 .mu.g/ml of Tween 80, 110 .mu.g/ml of Triton X100
and 100 .mu.g/ml of VES. The quantities used in the premix are
calculated taking into account the quantities of detergent and VES
already present in the strains.
[0262] Preparation of one liter of 10 fold concentrated Saline
buffer (PBS pH 7.4): to 0.800 l of water for injection, add NaCl 80
g, KCl 2 g, Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 11.44 g, KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 2 g. After
solubilization, adjust to 1.0 L with water for injection. pH will
be at 7.4 when 10 fold diluted.
Trivalent Split/Plain
[0263] The formulation of one 50 .mu.l dose is prepared
extemporaneously according the following sequence: Water For
Injection+Saline Buffer (10 fold concentrated PBS pH 7.4)+Premix, 5
min magnetic stirring at room temperature, +1.5 .mu.g HA H1N1
strain, 10 min magnetic stirring at room temperature, +1.5 .mu.g HA
H3N2 strain, 10 min magnetic stirring at room temperature, +1.5
.mu.g HA B strain, 15 min magnetic stirring at room temperature.
The formulations are injected within the hour following the end of
their preparation.
Trivalent Split/AS03
[0264] A Premix of Tween 80, Triton X100 and Vitamin E Succinate
(VES) is prepared in order to reach a final concentration into the
vaccine of 750 .mu.g/ml of Tween 80, 110 .mu.g/ml of Triton X100
and 100 .mu.g/ml of VES. The quantities used in the premix are
calculated taking into account the quantities of detergent and VES
already present in the strains.
[0265] The formulation of one 50 .mu.l dose is prepared
extemporaneously according the following sequence: Water For
Injection+Saline Buffer (10 fold concentrated PBS pH 7.4)+Premix, 5
min magnetic stirring at room temperature, +1.5 .mu.g HA H1N1
strain, 10 min magnetic stirring at room temperature, +1.5 .mu.g HA
H3N2 strain, 10 min magnetic stirring at room temperature, +1.5
.mu.g HA B strain, 15 min magnetic stirring at room temperature,
+25 .mu.l SB62 emulsion for the full dose AS03 or 5 .mu.l SB62
emulsion for the 1/5 dose AS03, 15 min magnetic stirring at room
temperature. The formulations are injected within the hour
following the end of their preparation.
IV.1.3. Read-Outs (Table 10)
[0266] The humoral immune response to vaccination was measured
before immunization (day 28) and 14 days after immunization (27
mice/group). Serum samples were tested by the hemagglutination
inhibition (HI) test.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 10 Read-out Timepoint Sample type Analysis
method Humoral response D28, D42 Sera IHA
IV.2. Results
IV.2.1. Humoral Immunity
[0267] Results are presented in FIG. 5. In this mouse model of
heterosubtypic priming followed by single vaccination, AS03 and
dilutions thereof were shown to induce higher HI titres compared to
the plain vaccine. For all influenza A strains, a statistically
significant increase of HI titres was observed (p<0.05). For the
H1N1 strain, a significant difference in HI titres was also
observed between AS03 and AS03 1/5 (p<0.05). A reduced dose of
AS03 failed to increase HI titres for all three strains compared to
the plain vaccine. Very low responses were observed against the B
strain (B/Shangdong); this is likely to be due to the significant
antigenic drift between the B strains used for the priming and the
vaccine.
IV.3. Summary of Results and Conclusions
[0268] In conclusion, an increase in HI titres was observed in
animals primed with hetrosubtypic strains when using AS03
adjuvanted vaccines compared to the plain vaccine. A full dose of
AS03 was optimal for obtaining robust HI titres against all three
influenza vaccine strains.
Example V
Preclinical Evaluation of Adjuvanted and Non-Adjuvanted Split
Influenza Vaccines (Comprising Various Doses of AS03 Adjuvant) in
Primed C57Bl/6 Mice
V.1. Experimental Design and Objective
[0269] Experiments in influenza-primed mice were performed in order
to evaluate the increase in humoral and cellular responses by AS03
induced influenza vaccines formulated with this oil-in-water
adjuvant.
[0270] To simulate the human situation, an experiment was conducted
using mice primed with heterosubtypic strains.
V.1.1. Treatment/Group (Table 11)
[0271] Groups of 25 adult female C57Bl/6 mice were primed
intranasally (20 .mu.l volume) on day 0 with trivalent whole,
formalin-inactivated influenza virus (5 .mu.g HA for each strain).
Priming strains consisted of earlier drift variants (5 .mu.g HA
whole inactivated H1N1 A/Beijing/262/95, H3N2 N Panama/2007/99,
B/Shangdong/7/97) to those included in the vaccine. Twenty-eight
days later, the mice were vaccinated with a single dose of the
vaccine candidate intramuscularly in a total volume of 100 .mu.l.
Mice were immunized with formulations containing split antigens
alone (trivalent split plain) or formulations containing split
antigens adjuvanted with three doses of AS03 (full, 1/2 or 1/5).
The strains used for the immunizations included H1N1 A/New
Calcdonia/20/99, H3N2 A/New York/55/2004, B/Jiangsu/10/2003 viral
antigens (1.5 .mu.g/strain, 1/10.sup.th of the human dose).
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 11 Gr Antigen/Formulation Other treatment 1
Trivalent split/Plain Heterologous priming D0 (non-adjuvanted) 2
Trivalent split/AS03 Heterologous priming D0 3 Trivalent split/AS03
1/2 Heterologous priming D0 4 Trivalent split/AS03 1/5 Heterologous
priming D0 5 PBS Heterologous priming D0
V.1.2. Preparation of the Vaccine Formulations
Trivalent Split/Plain
[0272] The formulations for a 100 .mu.l dose are prepared
extemporaneously according the following sequence: Water For
Injection+Saline Buffer (10 fold concentrated PBS pH 7.4 prepared
as taught in example IV)+Fluarix Clinical Lot DFLUA014 (1.5 .mu.g
per strain in the final dose).
Trivalent Split/AS03
[0273] The formulations for a 100 .mu.l dose are prepared
extemporaneously according the following sequence: Water For
Injection+Saline Buffer (10 fold concentrated PBS pH 7.4 prepared
as taught in example IV)+Fluarix Clinical Lot DFLUA014 (1.5 .mu.g
per strain in the final dose)+25 .mu.l SB62 emulsion for the full
dose or 12.5 .mu.l SB 62 emulsion for the 1/2 dose or 5 .mu.l SB62
emulsion for the 1/5 dose. The formulations are injected within the
hour following the end of the preparation.
V.1.3. Read-Outs (Table 12)
[0274] The humoral immune response to vaccination was measured 21
days after immunization (10 mice/group) and the serum samples were
tested by the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The cellular
immune response was tested 7 days post-immunization by
intracellular cytokine staining (ICS).
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 12 Read-out Timepoint Sample type Analysis
method Humoral response D49 Sera IHA Cellular response D35 PBMCs
ICS
V.2. Results
[0275] V.2.1. Humoral Immunity (10 Mice/Group).
[0276] Results are presented in FIG. 6. In this mouse model of
heterosubtypic priming followed by single vaccination, AS03 and
dilutions (1/2 and 1/5) thereof were shown to induce higher HI
titres compared to the plain vaccine. For all three strains, no
difference of HI titres was observed between mice receiving the
vaccine adjuvanted with a full dose AS03 or reduced doses AS03.
V.2.2. Cellular Immunity (15 Mice/Group).
[0277] Results are presented in FIG. 7. Whatever the dilution of
AS03, higher CD4+ T cell responses were observed in mice immunized
with AS03-adjuvanted trivalent split vaccine compared to mice
immunized with trivalent split plain. Compared to the response
induced in mice immunized with trivalent split adjuvanted with a
full dose AS03, a trend for lower cellular responses was observed
when mice were immunized with trivalent split adjuvanted with lower
doses of AS03.
V.3. Summary of Results and Conclusions
[0278] In conclusion, an increase in humoral and cellular responses
was observed in animals primed with heterosubtypic strains when
using AS03 adjuvanted vaccines compared to the plain vaccine. A
similar magnitude of humoral response was observed between mice
immunized with full dose or fractional doses of AS03 adjuvant.
However, a reduction in adjuvant dose was associated with a trend
for reduced magnitude of CD4+ T cell response.
Example VI
Preclinical Evaluation of the Cellular Immune Response Induced by
Adjuvanted and Non-Adjuvanted Split Influenza Vaccines (Comprising
Various Doses of AS03 Adjuvant and Low Dose Antigen) in Primed
C57Bl/6 Mice
VI.1. Experimental Design and Objective
[0279] Experiments in influenza-primed mice were performed in order
to evaluate the increase in cellular immune responses by AS03
induced by influenza vaccines containing low dose antigen (0.5
.mu.g/strain, 1/30.sup.th human dose) and formulated with this
oil-in-water adjuvant. To simulate the human situation, an
experiment was conducted using mice primed with heterosubtypic
strains.
VI.1.1. Treatment/Group (Table 13)
[0280] Groups of 15 adult female C57Bl/6 mice were primed
intranasally (20 .mu.l volume) on day 0 with trivalent whole,
formalin-inactivated influenza virus (5 .mu.g HA for each strain).
Priming strains consisted of earlier drift variants (5 .mu.g HA
whole inactivated H1N1 A/Beijing/262/95, H3N2 N Panama/2007/99, B/
Shangdong/7/97) to those included in the vaccine. Twenty-eight days
later, the mice were vaccinated with a single dose of the vaccine
candidate intramuscularly in a total volume of 50 .mu.l. Mice were
immunized with formulations containing split antigens alone
(trivalent split plain) or formulations containing split antigens
adjuvanted with three doses of AS03 (full, 1/2 or 1/5). The strains
used for the immunizations included H1N1 A/New Calcdonia/20/99,
H3N2 A/New York/55/2004, B/Jiangsu/10/2003 viral antigens (0.5
.mu.g/strain, 1/30.sup.th of the human dose).
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 13 Gr Antigen/Formulation Other treatment 1
Trivalent split/Plain Heterologous priming D0 (non-adjuvanted) 2
Trivalent split/AS03 Heterologous priming D0 3 Trivalent split/AS03
1/2 Heterologous priming D0 4 Trivalent split/AS03 1/5 Heterologous
priming D0 5 PBS Heterologous priming D0
VI.1.2. Preparation of the Vaccine Formulations
Trivalent Split/Plain
[0281] The formulations for a 50 .mu.l dose are prepared
extemporaneously according the following sequence: Water For
Injection+Saline Buffer (10 fold concentrated PBS pH 7.4 prepared
as taught in example IV)+Fluarix Clinical Lot DFLUA014 (0.5 .mu.g
per strain in the final dose).
Trivalent Split/AS03
[0282] The formulations for a 50 .mu.l dose are prepared
extemporaneously according the following sequence: Water For
Injection+Saline Buffer (10 fold concentrated PBS pH 7.4 prepared
as taught in example IV)+Fluarix Clinical Lot DFLUA014 (0.5 .mu.g
per strain in the final dose)+25 .mu.l SB62 emulsion for the full
dose or 12.5 .mu.l SB 62 emulsion for the 1/2 dose or 5 .mu.l SB62
emulsion for the 1/5 dose. The formulations are injected within the
hour following the end of the preparation.
VI.1.3. Read-Outs (Table 14)
[0283] The cellular immune response was tested 7 days
post-immunization by intracellular cytokine staining.
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 14 Read-out Timepoint Sample type Analysis
method Cellular response D35 PBMCs ICS
VI.2. Results
VI.2.1. Cellular Immunity
[0284] Results are presented in FIG. 8. Marginally higher CD4+ T
cell responses were observed in mice immunized with trivalent split
vaccine adjuvanted with AS03 (full or 1/2 dose) compared to mice
immunized with trivalent split plain. Compared to the response
induced in mice immunized with trivalent split plain or adjuvanted
with a full dose or a half dose of AS03, higher cellular responses
were observed when mice were immunized with trivalent split
adjuvanted with 1/5 of AS03 dose.
VI.3. Summary of Results and Conclusions
[0285] In conclusion, a minimal increase in CD4+ T cell responses
was observed in heterosubtypic primed animals when using AS03
adjuvanted vaccines compared to the plain vaccine. No adjuvant dose
response was observed in this experiment and indeed a 1/5 of AS03
dose induced higher frequencies of antigen specific CD4+ T cells
than was seen with higher adjuvant doses. Overall these data are
not consistent with other preclinical experiments and may be
suggestive of a technical issue with this particular
experiment.
Example VII
Preclinical Evaluation of Adjuvanted and Non-Adjuvanted Split H5N1
Vaccines (Comprising Various Doses of AS03 Adjuvant and Antigen) in
Naive C57Bl/6 Mice
VII.1. Experimental Design and Objective
[0286] Experiments in H5N1-naive mice were performed in order to
evaluate the increase in humoral and cellular immune responses by
AS03 induced by H5N1 split vaccines formulated with this
oil-in-water adjuvant. In the case of a pandemic, it is expected
that the entire world population will be immunologically naive to
the newly circulating pandemic influenza strain. Due to this naive
immune status a pandemic vaccine will likely require two vaccine
doses to protect individuals from infection and severe illness
caused by a new influenza strain. To represent this lack of
previous exposure a naive mouse model was developed to assess
vaccine immunogenicity.
VII.1.1. Treatment/Group (Table 15)
[0287] Groups of 15 adult female naive C57Bl/6 mice were immunized
on days 0 and 28 with pandemic H5N1 vaccine candidate
intramuscularly in a total volume of 50 .mu.l. Mice were immunized
with formulations containing split H5N1 antigens alone (H5N1 split
plain) or formulations containing split antigens adjuvanted with
different doses of AS03 (double, full, 1/2 or 1/5). The strains
used for the immunizations included H5N1 A/Vietnam/1194/04 viral
antigen (1.5 or 0.38 .mu.g/strain corresponding to 1/10.sup.th of
the human dose).
[0288] No formulation was done with a double AS03 dose but rather a
concomitant injection of one 50 .mu.l H5N1 split/AS03 full dose+one
50 .mu.l dose AS03.
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 15 Gr Antigen/Formulation Antigen dose 1 H5N1
split/Plain (non-adjuvanted) 1.5 .mu.g 2 H5N1 split/double dose
AS03 1.5 .mu.g 3 H5N1 split/AS03 1.5 .mu.g 4 H5N1 split/AS03 1/2
1.5 .mu.g 5 H5N1 split/AS03 1/5 1.5 .mu.g 6 H5N1 split/Plain
(non-adjuvanted) 0.38 .mu.g 7 H5N1 split/double dose AS03 0.38
.mu.g 8 H5N1 split/AS03 0.38 .mu.g 9 H5N1 split/AS03 1/2 0.38 .mu.g
10 H5N1 split/AS03 1/5 0.38 .mu.g 11 PBS
VII.1.2. Preparation of the Vaccine Formulations
[0289] Preparation of one liter of Final Bulk Buffer (PBS pH
7.2.+-.0.2): to 0.800 l of water for injection, add NaCl 7.699 g,
KCl 0.200 g, MgCl.sub.2.times.6H.sub.2O 0.100 g,
Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4.times.12H.sub.2O 2.600 g, KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 0.373
g. After solubilization, adjust to 1.0 L with water for
injection
H5N1 Split/Plain
Preparation of a 50 .mu.l Dose:
[0290] Thiomersal (quantities taking into account its concentration
in the strain) and Triton X100 are added to the Final Bulk Buffer.
Tween 80 is not added as the content target in the formulation is
reach by the Tween concentration of the strain. The final
concentrations are of 10 .mu.g/ml for Thiomersal, 368 .mu.g/ml for
Tween 80 and 35 .mu.g/ml for Triton X100 in the 1.5 .mu.g
formulation dose. They are of 10 .mu.g/ml for Thiomersal, 93
.mu.g/ml for Tween80 and 8.9 .mu.g/ml for Triton X100 in the 0.38
.mu.g formulation dose. After 5-30 min magnetic stirring 1.5 or
0.38 .mu.g of HA (H5N1 strain) are added. The formulations are
stirred for 30-60 minutes. The pH is checked. Injections occur
within the hour following the end of the formulation.
H5N1 Split/AS03
Preparation of a 50 .mu.l Dose:
[0291] Thiomersal (quantities taking into account its concentration
in the strain) and Triton X100 are added to the Final Bulk Buffer.
Tween 80 is not added as the content target in the formulation is
reach by the Tween concentration of the strain. The final
concentrations are of 10 .mu.g/ml for Thiomersal, 368 .mu.g/ml for
Tween 80 and 35 .mu.g/ml for Triton X100 in the 1.5 .mu.g
formulation dose. They are of 10 .mu.g/ml for Thiomersal, 93
.mu.g/ml for Tween80 and 8.9 .mu.g/ml for Triton X100 in the 0.38
.mu.g formulation dose. After 5-30 min magnetic stirring 1.5 or
0.38 .mu.g of HA (H5N1 strain) are added. After 30-60 minutes
magnetic stirring, 25 or 12.5 or 5 .mu.l of SB62 emulsion is added.
The formulations are stirred for 30-60 minutes. The pH is checked.
Injections occur within the hour following the end of the
formulation
VII.1.3. Read-Outs (Table 16)
[0292] The humoral immune response was measured 14 days after
immunization (10 mice/group) by anti-Ig, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody
titers (FIG. 9, A-F). The humoral immune response was also measured
21 days after immunization (10 mice/group) by anti-H5N1
hemagglutination inhibition assay (FIG. 10, A-B).
[0293] The cellular immune response was tested 6 days
post-immunization (5 pools of 3 mice per group) by intracellular
cytokine staining (ICS) of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells numerated
by flow cytometry (FIG. 11, A-B).
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 16 Read-out Timepoint Sample type Analysis
method Humoral response D39 Sera ELISA, isotypes and HI titers
Cellular response D34 PBMCs ICS
VII.2. Results
VII.2.1. Humoral Immune Response: ELISA and Isotypes.
[0294] Results are presented in FIG. 9.
[0295] At each dose of H5N1 split vaccine, all adjuvanted groups
induced higher anti-H5N1 Ig, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody titers
compared to the non-adjuvanted H5N1 split vaccine (FIGS. 9-A to
F).
[0296] At each dose of H5N1 split vaccine; the anti-H5N1 IgG1
antibody response was 4-5-fold higher than the anti-H5N1 IgG2b
antibody response (FIGS. 9-C to F). With a dose of 1.5 .mu.g HA of
H5N1 split vaccine and combined with each dose of adjuvant, no
difference of anti-H5N1 Ig, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody responses were
observed (FIGS. 9-A, C and E).
[0297] With a dose of 0.38 .mu.g HA of H5N1 split vaccine, a trend
for higher anti-H5N1 Ig titers were obtained after immunization
with H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with 2.times.-full dose compared
to the response induced by H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with
AS03/2 (p=0.7315) and AS03 1/5 (p=0.9744) (FIG. 9-B). This trend
was also observed for the anti-H5N1 IgG1 antibody response (FIG.
9-D). However, the power was not sufficient to observe a
statistically significant difference (25% power for 1.7 fold
difference, or 47% for a 2 fold difference).
VII.2.2. Humoral Immune Response: HI Titers.
With a Dose of 1.5 .mu.g HA/Mice:
[0298] At each adjuvant dose, all mice immunized with
AS03-adjuvanted H5N1 split vaccine induced higher HI titers
compared to the response obtained in mice immunized with the
non-adjuvanted H5N1 split vaccine (FIG. 10-A). No difference of HI
titers were observed when H5N1 split vaccine was adjuvanted with a
dose range of AS03 (FIG. 10-A).
With a Dose of 0.38 .mu.g HA/Dose
[0299] At each adjuvant dose, all mice immunized with
AS03-adjuvanted H5N1 split vaccine induced higher HI titers
compared to the response obtained in mice immunized with the
non-adjuvanted H5N1 split vaccine (FIG. 10B).
[0300] Significantly higher HI titers were observed with H5N1 split
vaccine adjuvanted with 2.times. full dose AS03 compared to the
response obtained with H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with AS03/2
(p=0.032 for a 4-fold difference) (FIG. 10B).
[0301] No difference of HI titers was observed in mice immunized
with H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with 2.times. full dose AS03 or
a full dose AS03 or between mice immunized with H5N1 split vaccine
adjuvanted with AS03/2 or AS03/5 (FIG. 10B).
Comparison Between Antigen Doses (1.5 .mu.g or 0.38 .mu.g):
[0302] No difference of HI titers were observed between mice
immunized with each HA dose of H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with
AS03, AS03/2 or AS03/5, except between mice immunized with 1.5
.mu.g HA split H5N1 adjuvanted with AS03/5 and mice immunized with
0.38 .mu.g HA split H5N1 adjuvanted with 2.times. full dose AS03
(FIG. 10). HI titers were significantly higher following
immunization with 0.38 .mu.g HA split H5N1 adjuvanted with 2.times.
full dose AS03 compared to the higher antigen dose combined with
lower adjuvant dose (1.5 .mu.g HA with AS03/5, p=0.0193 for a
4-fold difference) (FIG. 10).
VII.2.3. Cellular Immune Response
[0303] Results are presented in FIG. 11.
[0304] At each dose of H5N1 split vaccine (1.5 or 0.38 .mu.g)
higher CD4+ T cell responses were observed in mice immunized with
H5N1 split vaccine adjuvanted with various doses of AS03 compared
to mice immunized with the non-adjuvanted H5N1 split vaccine (FIG.
11).
[0305] At a dose of 1.5 .mu.g H5N1 split vaccine, a reduction of
the AS03 doses corresponded to a decrease in CD4+ T cell
frequencies (FIG. 11A). However, at a dose of 0.38 .mu.g H5N1 split
vaccine no difference in CD4+ T cell responses was observed between
different adjuvant doses in mice immunized with AS03-adjuvanted
H5N1 split vaccines (FIG. 11B).
VII.3. Summary of Results and Conclusions
[0306] Immunogenicity studies in mice showed that adjuvanted H5N1
split vaccine induced significantly higher humoral (anti-H5N1 ELISA
and HI titers) and cellular (CD4+ T cells) responses than those
induced by the non-adjuvanted H5N1 split vaccine.
[0307] No antigen dose response effect was observed for the humoral
immune response between mice immunized with 1.5 .mu.g and 0.38
.mu.g adjuvanted H5N1 split vaccine suggesting that in the presence
of adjuvant even lower doses of HA may be required to observe a
dose response effect in this model.
[0308] A strong increase in CD4+ T cell responses was observed in
naive mice when using AS03 adjuvanted H5N1 pandemic vaccines
compared to the plain H5N1 vaccine. No impact of the AS03 dilution
was observed when a dose of 0.38 .mu.g of H5N1 split vaccine was
used as vaccine candidate, while a decrease of CD4 T cell responses
was observed when 1.5 .mu.g H5N1 split vaccine was adjuvanted with
the reduced dose AS03.
[0309] As previously observed, no difference in humoral and
cellular immune responses were observed between mice immunized with
H5N1 split vaccine (at either antigen dose) adjuvanted with a full
dose AS03 or with AS03/2. Some enhancement in the immune response
was detected when 2.times. full dose AS03 was used in the vaccine
formulation and accordingly a decrease in the immune response was
detected when AS03/5 was used in the vaccine formulation.
[0310] Overall, the data reported here support the potency of this
novel adjuvant system in this vaccine formulation.
Example VIII
Preclinical Evaluation of Adjuvanted and Non-Adjuvanted Influenza
Vaccines in Primed Large White Pigs
VIII.1. Experimental Design and Objective
[0311] Experiment in influenza-primed pigs was performed in order
to evaluate the increase in humoral responses by AS03 induced
influenza vaccines formulated with this oil-in-water adjuvant.
[0312] Pigs were used in order to evaluate a dose range of AS03 in
an animal model close to humans. Pigs show a long list of
biological analogies that establish this animal as physiologically
the closest to man with very few exceptions (Douglas R., 1972).
Moreover, the manifestation of influenza infection in pigs is
commonly observed.
VIII.1.1. Treatment/Group (Table 17)
[0313] Groups of 10 adult Large White female pigs were primed on
day 0 with trivalent whole, formalin-inactivated influenza virus
(25 .mu.g HA for each strain) intranasally in a total volume of 200
.mu.l. Priming strains consisted of strains homologous to vaccine
strains (25 .mu.g HA whole inactivated H1N1 A/New Calcdonia/20/99,
H3N2 A/Panama/2007/99 and B/Shangdong/7/97). Twenty-eight days
later, pigs were vaccinated with a single dose of the vaccine
candidate intramuscularly in a total volume of 500 .mu.l. Pigs were
immunized with formulations containing split antigens alone
(trivalent split plain) or formulations containing split antigens
adjuvanted with a dose range of AS03 (full, 1/2 or 1/5). The
strains used for the immunizations included H1N1 A/New
Calcdonia/20/99, H3N2 A/Panama/2007/99 and B/Shangdong/7/97 viral
antigens (15 .mu.g HA for H1N1 A/New Calcdonia/20/99, H3N2
A/Panama/2007/99 strains and 17.5 .mu.g B/Shangdong/7/97 strain as
in one human dose).
[0314] Groups (10 pigs/group):
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 17 Gr Antigen/Formulation Other treatment 1
Trivalent split/Plain Heterologous priming D0 (non-adjuvanted) 2
Trivalent split/AS03 Heterologous priming D0 3 Trivalent split/AS03
1/2 Heterologous priming D0 4 Trivalent split/AS03 1/5 Heterologous
priming D0
VIII.1.2. Preparation of the Vaccine Formulations
Trivalent Split/Plain
[0315] A Premix of Tween 80, Triton X100 and Vitamin E Succinate
(VES) is prepared in order to reach a final concentration into the
vaccine of 750 .mu.g/ml of Tween 80, 110 .mu.g/ml of Triton X100
and 100 .mu.g/ml of VES. The quantities used in the premix take
into account their content into the strains.
[0316] The formulation of one 500 .mu.l dose is prepared
extemporaneously according the following sequence: Water For
Injection+Saline Buffer (10 fold concentrated PBS pH 7.4 prepared
as taught in example IV)+Premix, 5 min magnetic stirring at room
temperature, +15 .mu.g HA H1N1 strain, 10 min magnetic stirring at
room temperature, +15 .mu.g HA H3N2 strain, 10 min magnetic
stirring at room temperature, +17.5 .mu.g HA B strain, 15 min
magnetic stirring at room temperature. The formulations are
injected within the hour following the end of their
preparation.
Trivalent Split/AS03
[0317] A Premix of Tween 80, Triton X100 and Vitamin E Succinate
(VES) is prepared in order to reach a final concentration into the
vaccine of 750 .mu.g/ml of Tween 80, 110 .mu.g/ml of Triton X100
and 100 .mu.g/ml of VES. The quantities used in the premix take
into account their content into the strains.
[0318] The formulation of one 500 .mu.l dose is prepared
extemporaneously according the following sequence: Water For
Injection+Saline Buffer (10 fold concentrated PBS pH 7.4 prepared
as taught in example IV)+Premix, 5 min magnetic stirring at room
temperature, +15 .mu.g HA H1N1 strain, 10 min magnetic stirring at
room temperature, +15 .mu.g HA H3N2 strain, 10 min magnetic
stirring at room temperature, +17.5 .mu.g HA B strain, 15 min
magnetic stirring at room temperature, +250 .mu.l SB62 emulsion for
the full dose AS03 or 125 .mu.l SB62 emulsion for the 1/2 dose AS03
or 50 .mu.l SB62 emulsion for the 1/5 dose AS03, 15 min magnetic
stirring at room temperature. The formulations are injected within
the hour following the end of their preparation.
VIII.1.3. Read-Outs (Table 18)
[0319] The humoral immune response to vaccination was measured
before intranasal priming (day 0), before immunization (day 28) and
14 days after immunization (10 pigs/group). Serum samples were
tested by the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test.
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 18 Read-out Timepoint Sample type Analysis
method Humoral response D0, D28, D42 Sera IHA
VIII.2. Results and Conclusions
VIII.2.1. Humoral Immunity
[0320] Results are presented in FIG. 12. Whatever the dilution of
the adjuvant, AS03 adjuvanted trivalent split formulations induced
a stronger HI response to all strains than the plain trivalent
formulation in this model of homologous priming, although
statistical significance was not always reached for all three
strains. An adjuvant dose effect was observed with slight
differences from strain to strain. For less immunogenic strains
such as B/Shangdong, only the trivalent split vaccine adjuvanted
with a full dose of AS03 was significantly different from the plain
vaccine. In contrast to trivalent split vaccine adjuvanted with a
full dose of AS03, a reduced dose of AS03 failed to increase HI
titres for all three strains above those seen with the plain
vaccine.
Example IX
Immunogenicity of dPly-PhtD-PD Antigens Adjuvanted with AS03 at
Different Dilutions
IX.1 Experiment Lims 20080257
[0321] dPly (detoxified pneumolysin) and PhtD (polyhistidine triad
protein D) are proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae whereas PD is
proteins D from Haemophilus influenzae. C57bl mice were immunized
intramuscularly three times (Day 0, 14 and 28) with 1/10 of a human
dose of two lyophilized clinical lots of dPly-PhtD-PD (DSPEA005A
and 006A) adjuvanted in AS03A (250 .mu.g SB62) (Groups 1 and 2). A
liquid pre-clinical lot of dPly-PhtD-PD in AS03A was used as
reference vaccine (Group 3). The clinical lot DSPEA005
reconstituted with AS03B (125 .mu.g SB62) and AS03C (62.5 .mu.g
SB62) was also evaluated (Groups 4 and 5). Finally, the two
lyophilized clinical lots reconstituted with saline were injected
as comparators in order to measure the effect of the adjuvant on
the immune response induced against the dPly, PhtD and PD antigens
(Groups 6 and 7).
[0322] Mice were bled on day 42 and the antibody response directed
against each antigen was measured by ELISA. Data are presented in
FIG. 13 as GMC in .mu.g/ml.
[0323] The consistency of the two dPly-PhtD-PD clinical lots was
demonstrated (DSPEA005A and 006A). No impact of the lyophilisation
was shown (Group 1 and 2 vs Group 3). Significantly higher antibody
titers against all antigens were induced by the AS03 formulations
(Groups 1 to 5) compared to formulations without adjuvant (Groups 6
and 7). Except for PD in the AS03C formulation (Group 5), no
significant difference was observed in the antibody titers induced
against each antigen by the formulation containing different
concentration of adjuvant (Groups 1, 4 and 5).
IX.2 Experiment Lims 20080334-20080340
[0324] C57bl mice were immunized intramuscularly three times (Day
0, 14 and 28) with 1/10 of a human dose of the dPly-PhtD-PD
lyophilized clinical lots (DSPEA006A) at different concentrations
(15-15-15; 30-30-30 and 60-60-60 .mu.g) and reconstituted in saline
or adjuvanted in AS03A (250 .mu.g SB62), AS03B (125 .mu.g SB62) and
AS03C (62.5 .mu.g SB62). Mice were bled on day 42 and the antibody
response directed against each antigen was measured by ELISA. Data
are presented in FIG. 14 as GMC in .mu.g/ml.
[0325] A significant increase of the antibody titers directed
against all antigens was shown in formulation containing AS03
(Groups 1 to 9) compared to formulations containing saline only
(Groups 10 to 12). No clear impact of the antigen dose was observed
on the immune response directed against each antigen. No
significant impact of the adjuvant dilution was observed on the
antibody response directed against dPly and PhtD. For PD a
significant difference was observed between AS03A and C at the
antigen concentration of 3 and 6 .mu.g.
Sequence CWU 1
1
9120DNAArtificial SequenceCpG-containing oligonucleotide
1tccatgacgt tcctgacgtt 20218DNAArtificial SequenceCpG-containing
oligonucleotide 2tctcccagcg tgcgccat 18330DNAArtificial
SequenceCpG-containing oligonucleotide 3accgatgacg tcgccggtga
cggcaccacg 30424DNAArtificial SequenceCpG-containing
oligonucleotide 4tcgtcgtttt gtcgttttgt cgtt 24520DNAArtificial
SequenceCpG-containing oligonucleotide 5tccatgacgt tcctgatgct
20622DNAArtificial SequenceCpG-containing oligonucleotide
6tcgacgtttt cggcgcgcgc cg 2276PRTunknownS. pneumoniae polyhistidine
triad protein (Pht) family histidine triad motif 7His Xaa Xaa His
Xaa His1 584PRTunknownS. pneumoniae protein having a Type II Signal
Sequence Motif 8Leu Xaa Xaa Cys195PRTunknownS. pneumoniae surface
protein Cell Wall Anchored Motif 9Leu Pro Xaa Thr Gly1 5
* * * * *